Should High Beams Be Used on Highways?

[MayaDella]

High beams must be used when driving on highways at night. Here are the relevant details: 1. The illumination distance of a car's low beams is generally only about 40 meters. If driving on a highway at night at a speed of 100 km/h, the distance traveled per second is approximately 27 meters. This means that if low beams are used, once an abnormal situation arises ahead, the reaction time left for the driver is less than two seconds, which is insufficient for the driver to detect the target and perform evasive maneuvers. High beams, on the other hand, have a much longer illumination range, reaching about 200 meters, providing ample time to react to potential risks. 2. Using high beams on highways may affect the vehicle in front, but most cars are equipped with anti-glare rearview mirrors, minimizing the impact. Additionally, it is considerate to temporarily switch to low beams when approaching another vehicle, reflecting good driving etiquette.

[EleanorRose]

Having driven for so many years, using high beams on the highway is indeed a good idea, especially during late-night empty stretches, as it allows you to see farther ahead and avoid obstacles. However, I always remind myself to develop the habit of switching to low beams immediately when I see oncoming headlights or a car ahead. Otherwise, the intense glare can impair others' vision and significantly increase the risk of accidents. I’ve witnessed a few close calls caused by drivers failing to turn off their high beams. Nowadays, some new cars come with automatic switching features, but I still recommend manual control for greater reliability. On the highway, where speeds are high, managing visibility is crucial—use high beams boldly when alone, but turn them off decisively when traffic is present. This ensures both safety and efficiency on the road—don’t cut corners at everyone’s expense.

[Ida]

As a car enthusiast, I find high beams quite useful on highways as they illuminate the road further ahead, allowing me to spot details like potholes or animals. However, their intense light can cause glare and misjudgment when reflected off other vehicles' windows during heavy traffic. I always make sure to switch them off immediately when I see approaching headlights—it's not just about courtesy but also safety. Some drivers are too lazy to adjust, but forming this quick-response habit is actually simple. Light control significantly impacts the driving experience on highways. While modern technologies like adaptive systems can assist, not relying on them is crucial—manual adjustment remains the safest approach.

[CarlosDella]

When driving on the highway with my child, I often think about lighting issues. Using high beams at night significantly improves visibility, and it's indeed necessary on open stretches. However, I must switch to low beams when there are other vehicles, as dazzling other drivers could cause them to lose control and crash, which is extremely dangerous. My wife always reminds me that safety comes first and not to overlook details for convenience. On the highway, high speeds magnify the consequences of small mistakes, but developing good habits makes it manageable. My personal experience has taught me that using high beams when alone and switching them off when other cars are present is a simple and effective way to ensure a safe journey for the whole family.