When should you use your high beams while driving?

Using high beams while driving is appropriate when there are no oncoming vehicles because high beams provide increased visibility, allowing you to see further down the road, which can be particularly helpful in rural or less populated areas where streetlights are scarce. This enhanced visibility can help you identify potential hazards or obstacles early. It is crucial, however, to switch to low beams when other vehicles approach or when following another vehicle closely to prevent blinding other drivers and to ensure safe driving conditions for everyone on the road.

In contrast, using high beams in city driving can be problematic due to the presence of streetlights and other vehicles that can reflect the light, making it safer and often more effective to use low beams. Operating high beams during the day is generally unnecessary, as natural daylight provides sufficient visibility. Additionally, in heavy rain, the glow from high beams can reflect off the rain and create glare that makes it harder to see, making low beams the more effective choice in those conditions.