when you approach a car using high beams

[Genesis]

When you approach a car using high beams, the safest and most effective action is to avoid looking directly at the oncoming lights and briefly glance down toward the right side of your lane, using the white line as a guide. This prevents being temporarily blinded by the glare, a condition known as "night blindness." Do not retaliate by flashing your own high beams, as this can escalate the situation and further impair both drivers' vision. The priority is to maintain control of your vehicle and safely pass the oncoming car.

This situation is common, and the intensity of modern LED or HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights can make the glare particularly harsh. The goal is to minimize the time your eyes are exposed to the direct light. Once the vehicle has passed, allow your eyes a moment to readjust to the lower light levels before returning your full attention to the road ahead.

Factor	Impact on Night Driving Vision	Recommended Action
High-Beam Glare Duration	Exposure > 2 seconds significantly increases recovery time.	Avert gaze immediately for 1-2 seconds.
Vehicle Speed	At 60 mph, you travel 88 feet per second.	Reduce speed slightly when blinded.
Road Type (2-lane vs Highway)	Oncoming traffic is closer on 2-lane roads.	Be extra vigilant on undivided highways.
Driver Age	A 50-year-old needs 2x more light than a 30-year-old; recovery is slower.	Older drivers should allow more readjustment time.
Use of Night Mode	Rearview mirror's auto-dimming feature reduces glare from behind.	Ensure your mirror's night mode is engaged.

If an approaching driver fails to dim their high beams, a quick, single flash of your own lights can serve as a polite reminder. However, if they do not respond, the best course of action is defensive driving. Ensure your windshield is clean, both inside and out, as smudges can scatter light and worsen glare. If you frequently drive at night, consider getting an eye exam to rule out underlying vision issues like cataracts that can exacerbate sensitivity to light.

[LeJasper]

Just look down and to the right at the line on the road. Don't stare into the lights, and don't flash them back—it just makes it worse for everyone. Keep your hands steady on the wheel, let them pass, and your eyes will readjust in a few seconds. It’s annoying, but getting into a light-flashing war isn’t safe.

[ValeriaLee]

From a technical standpoint, the photopic (day) vision in your eyes is overwhelmed, shutting down the rods used for scotopic (night) vision. This creates a temporary blind spot. The correct technique is to redirect your focal point to a low-contrast area, like the right-edge lane marker. This leverages peripheral vision, which is more light-sensitive and recovers faster from glare, allowing you to maintain spatial awareness and vehicle control until the threat passes.

[DiFrank]

My dad taught me this trick years ago and it’s never failed. As soon as you see those bright lights, just drop your eyes to the right-hand side of your lane. Follow the white or yellow line. It keeps you in your lane without having to squint or guess. After the car goes by, count to two before you look up fully. It gives your eyes that extra second they need to get used to the dark again. Simple, but it works.

[Carter]

The key is defensive driving. I focus on maintaining my lane position by using the right-side pavement marker as a guide the instant I see the glare. I make a conscious effort not to tense up or jerk the wheel. Retaliating is pointless and dangerous. I also make sure my own headlights are properly aimed and my windshield is spotless to minimize the effect of other drivers' high beams. It’s all about controlling what you can on your side of the road.