When Should High Beams Be Turned On?

[OliviaMarie]

The conditions for turning on high beams include: 1. Driving on roads with poor lighting conditions; 2. When overtaking at night, alternate between high and low beams to alert the vehicle ahead; 3. On roads with sparse traffic, when passing corners, curves, or intersections without traffic signals, alternate between high and low beams as a warning. The types and functions of car lights are: 1. Brake lights: Serve as a warning to people or vehicles behind; 2. Turn signals: Alert vehicles and pedestrians in front, behind, and to the sides; 3. License plate lights: Illuminate the vehicle's license plate at night; 4. High beams: Check the road conditions ahead at a distance; 5. Low beams: Clearly see the road conditions in front of the vehicle.

[ORonan]

When driving at night, it's crucial to use high beams at the right time for safety. They're most suitable for rural roads with no streetlights or highways, where you can turn them on when there are no vehicles or pedestrians around to illuminate the road ahead clearly and spot obstacles early. However, as soon as you see an oncoming car or a vehicle approaching in the rearview mirror, immediately switch back to low beams to avoid dazzling others with the intense light, which could lead to accidents. Also, avoid using high beams at dusk or in heavy fog, as the glare can actually reduce visibility. Remember, high beams are for your safety—misusing them is not only dangerous but might also earn you some angry honks. Make it a habit to check your light switch position before every drive; it never hurts to be cautious.

[DanielaDella]

I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over twenty years, and I've long mastered the rules of using high beams. The best time to use them is during late-night drives on mountain roads or open areas when it's so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. High beams can double your visibility, helping you avoid wild animals or potholes in time. However, it's crucial never to use them in cities or near intersections, as the heavy traffic can easily interfere with others. I learned this the hard way—once, I forgot to turn off my high beams and nearly got flashed by an oncoming driver. Experience has taught me to develop the habit of switching early; you should switch to low beams when you're about 100 meters away from the car ahead. The lighting system is part of the car, so regular maintenance is also essential.

[StTimothy]

As a newly licensed driver, my instructor repeatedly emphasized the rules for using high beams during training. Simply put, they should only be turned on at night when it's extremely dark and there are no other vehicles around, such as on unlit rural roads. Avoid using them in cities or areas with heavy traffic, as they can dazzle oncoming drivers and create hazards. Before every drive, I remind myself to test the lights by switching them a few times to ensure both high and low beams are functioning properly. Since lighting affects safety, it's best for beginners to practice controlling their rhythm on low-risk road sections first.