When to Use High Beams While Driving?
2 Answers
High beams should be used on roads at night without streetlights or with poor lighting. On roads with sparse traffic, when passing corners, curves, or unsignalized intersections, reduce speed and alternately switch between high and low beams as a warning. In other words, as lighting tools, high beams should only be used when there are no streetlights; they must not be used otherwise. Hazards of high beams: 1. Instant blindness: During nighttime encounters with oncoming vehicles, high beams can cause momentary visual impairment for the opposing driver. The duration of this impairment varies depending on the driver's eyesight and surrounding environment, but it typically lasts at least 2 seconds. 2. Reduced perception of speed and distance: Nighttime visibility is poor, and the human eye's ability to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles is already compromised. Under these conditions, the interference from high beams further accelerates the decline in this judgment. 3. Impaired width judgment: The large glare produced by high beams occupies a significant portion of the human eye's visual field, reducing the driver's ability to judge the width of oncoming vehicles and the conditions behind them, potentially leading to incorrect maneuvers.
When I first started driving, I was a bit confused about this, but after trying a few times, I realized that it's best to use high beams on highways at night or on remote rural roads where there are no streetlights or the lighting is particularly dim. Turning them on illuminates the road further ahead, helping you spot hazards like animals or potholes in advance. However, you need to pay attention to when to switch them off—once there's an oncoming car or a car ahead, you should turn them off quickly, as the strong light can temporarily blind others, which is extremely dangerous. Also, during rainy or foggy weather, unless visibility is extremely low and there are no other cars around, it's generally better to avoid using high beams because they can increase glare and worsen visibility. I make it a habit to glance at the rearview mirror every few seconds to ensure no trailing cars are mistakenly affected by my lights. Practicing this habit of switching lights regularly can enhance overall driving safety. In the city, low beams are usually sufficient because streetlights provide enough illumination—don’t use high beams out of laziness and cause trouble. Finally, I recommend that beginners consult driving school guides or experienced drivers' tips more often.
