Under What Circumstances Can High Beams Be Used?
3 Answers
Circumstances where high beams can be used: 1. When approaching an oncoming vehicle, you may switch to high beams. 2. When overtaking, turn on the turn signal and must use the high-low beam switch to alert the vehicle ahead. 3. When passing through an intersection, you must use the high-low beam switch to alert vehicles on both sides of the intersection. 4. On roads without other lighting facilities and when there are no oncoming vehicles, high beams can be used. Methods to deal with encountering high beams: 1. Stay calm and shift your gaze to avoid temporary vision loss due to strong light stimulation. 2. Flash your high beams a few times to signal the other driver, but do not retaliate by keeping your high beams on. 3. If you really can't see the road ahead clearly, simply slow down or even pull over to let the other vehicle pass safely before continuing.
As a new driver who just got my license, my biggest fear when driving at night is not being able to see the road clearly. High beams should be used in very dark, unpopulated, and unlit areas, such as rural dirt roads or empty stretches of highways. They can extend your visibility by dozens of meters, helping you spot potholes or small animals ahead and avoid sudden accidents. However, it's crucial to remind yourself to switch back to low beams immediately when you see oncoming vehicles or someone overtaking, as the intense light can dazzle other drivers, causing temporary blindness and potentially leading to a crash. In urban areas with streetlights, avoid using high beams—it's unnecessary and against the rules. New drivers should practice switching between lights frequently and consider having an experienced driver sit beside them for guidance until they get used to it. Driving isn't just about reaching your destination; safety should always come first.
After years of long-distance driving, I believe the use of high beams depends on the situation. At night in open areas, such as rural roads or empty highway lanes, turning on the high beams instantly expands visibility by over a hundred meters, allowing early detection of deer or obstacles, which is much more reassuring. However, remember to quickly switch back to low beams when headlights appear within 150 meters ahead—this is basic driving etiquette. It’s also absolutely unacceptable to tailgate too closely, as the light reflection can disturb others. In foggy conditions, high beams scatter and worsen visibility; it’s better to lower the beam angle or use fog lights. Overall, mastering the proper switching technique is a skill—ensuring your own safety while considering the bigger picture, so it doesn’t become a hazard. Regular maintenance of the lighting system is also crucial, as aging bulbs won’t be effective even with high beams.
