When driving at night, when should you use low beams?

Using low beam headlights is crucial for safe nighttime driving, particularly when approaching or encountering other vehicles. Low beams should be employed when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet because high beams can create glare which reduces visibility for the other driver, increasing the risk of accidents. By switching to low beams, you help ensure that both you and the oncoming vehicle can see clearly without blinding each other.

In various driving situations, high beams can be useful; however, they are inappropriate when other vehicles are nearby, as they diminish the contrast of lights and can lead to temporary blindness. Therefore, maintaining low beams in such situations is a vital practice for ensuring road safety and proper visibility for all drivers involved.