High Beam Etiquette
Recently while driving at night I was frustrated by some rude drivers that don’t seem to grasp the rules of the high beams (I’m referring to those on a motor vehicle headlight system by the way - I have no problems with the flashing of the other form of high beams.)
This feature is there to help you see farther ahead of your vehicle at night, especially on two-lane roads without street lights. They can also be used to warn drivers of wildlife or obstructions on the road as well as speed traps. If you see a cop and can safely alert the oncoming drivers without the officer seeing you - you should do so … if you don’t that’s kind of uncool.
But the point of this rant is to point out that the high beams are supposed to be used when other drivers are not approaching. Therefore, you should turn off your high beams when another car is approaching. Ideally, this should be done before the approaching vehicle is blinded by your lights. It is customary to kill the high beams when you see the oncoming vehicles lights, if they do the same then the cars can safely pass and everyone can be happy.
All too often it seems people are too lazy, too selfish, or just ignorant and don’t turn off their beams early enough or at all. Worse than that is the confused and ignorant drivers that seem to think they can positively identify whether or not a persons high beams are on, and retaliate with a punishing flash of their high beams to “alert” you that your high beams are on. This is stupid in more ways than one as you could cause the oncoming car to crash … maybe straight into you! Also, just because a car isn’t coming at you, you still must respect drivers in front of you and don’t ride someone’s ass with your high beams on … this is a good way to inspire road rage and get yourself in a situation you may not wish to be in.
And don’t think that my ride has poorly adjusted beams …. I stay on top of that and it ain’t the case. Please just respect other drivers and adhere to the rules of the road. Just because there are increasingly more vehicles on the roads doesn’t mean you can just ignore these tried and tested and collectively agreed upon rules.
Thanx 4 listening, Have a nice day!
- Geronimo