What are the hazards of misusing high beams?
2 Answers
Misusing high beams can cause temporary blindness and reduced perception: Instantaneous blindness: High beams can cause momentary blindness for oncoming drivers. The duration of this blindness varies depending on the driver's vision and surrounding environment, but it typically lasts at least two seconds. During these two seconds, the driver is essentially driving with their eyes closed, significantly reducing their ability to observe pedestrians and surrounding vehicles. Reduced perception of speed and distance: Nighttime visibility is already poor, and human eyes naturally have difficulty judging the speed of oncoming vehicles. In such conditions, the interference from high beams further impairs this judgment. If high beams are used, oncoming vehicles may misjudge your speed and distance, leading them to confidently avoid bicycles or overtake when they should actually slow down for a safe encounter. In this case, high beams have the opposite effect.
The dangers of indiscriminate use of high beams are truly significant. After years of driving, nothing annoys me more than people who use high beams at inappropriate times. Firstly, it can blind oncoming drivers, causing momentary vision loss for a second or two, which on the highway could lead to an immediate collision. Secondly, the reflection from the rearview mirror of the car in front can make it difficult for the following driver to assess the road conditions, especially during turns or lane changes, increasing the risk of chain-reaction accidents. Moreover, urban streets are already well-lit, making high beams completely unnecessary—not only a waste of electricity but also creating a tense atmosphere on the road. I've seen many accidents caused by loss of control due to blinding lights, ranging from minor scratches to severe crashes with fatalities. So, it's essential to follow the rules: use high beams only on unlit mountain roads to ensure safety for yourself and others.
