When is it appropriate to use high beams?
2 Answers
High beams should be used under the following circumstances: 1. On roads without street lighting or with poor illumination, you may use high beams, but switch to low beams when encountering other vehicles or pedestrians to avoid dazzling them. 2. When unfamiliar with the road conditions and needing to read road signs or other indicators, you may use high beams but should quickly revert to low beams. 3. When overtaking, a vehicle should activate the left turn signal in advance and alternate between high and low beams or sound the horn to alert the vehicle ahead to yield. 4. On highways or in suburban areas without street lighting, high beams can be used to improve visibility, but switch to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic for safety and courtesy.
I've always believed that using high beams appropriately is crucial—only turning them on in complete darkness with no oncoming vehicles, such as when driving on highways or poorly lit rural roads with limited visibility. If I spot any light or approaching vehicles ahead, I immediately switch back to low beams to avoid blinding others. Many people ignore this rule and recklessly use high beams, which I've seen lead to dangerous situations on the road multiple times. Especially during rainy or foggy conditions, high beams can make it harder for drivers ahead to see, increasing risks. In cities, there's no need at all—streetlights provide ample lighting, making low beams more than sufficient. I make it a habit to frequently check the rearview mirror and the road ahead when using high beams, ensuring safety before any action. This way, I protect myself while respecting others.
