When is it appropriate to use your high beams?

Using high beams is appropriate when driving on open roads without oncoming traffic because it significantly enhances visibility. High beams illuminate a larger area of the road ahead, allowing drivers to see further and more clearly in dark conditions. This is especially useful on rural or less populated roads where there aren't other vehicles or streetlights to provide additional illumination.

In contrast, using high beams in heavy city traffic can cause glare to other drivers and may impair their vision. Similarly, they should be avoided near pedestrians, as high beams can be blinding and create unsafe conditions for individuals on foot. During bad weather conditions, such as rain or fog, high beams can also reflect off water droplets and reduce visibility further, making low beams a more suitable choice in those scenarios. Thus, understanding when and where to appropriately use high beams enhances safety for both the driver and others on the road.