When driving at night, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?

Switching from high beams to low beams when oncoming traffic is closer than 500 feet or when the car ahead is closer than 350 feet is essential for safety when driving at night. High beams provide increased illumination for the driver but can blind other drivers if not used properly. By dimming the headlights in these situations, you minimize the risk of obstructing the vision of other motorists, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions or collisions.

Using high beams inappropriately can create a hazardous situation, as other drivers may be temporarily blinded and unable to see the road clearly. The specified distances (500 feet for oncoming traffic and 350 feet for vehicles ahead) are standard guidelines designed to ensure mutual visibility and safety on the road. These distances help to create a buffer zone where drivers can adjust their lighting to maintain safe driving practices without impairing others.

In contrast, choices involving heavy rain or being signaled to switch lights do not provide the same clarity around maintaining safe driving etiquette. Likewise, switching high beams only when other cars are present does not accommodate all the scenarios where low beams should be used, particularly regarding oncoming traffic that could be further away.