When should a driver use their high beam headlights?

Using high beam headlights is particularly important when driving in dark, rural areas with no other traffic. In these situations, high beams provide significantly better visibility, illuminating the road ahead and helping the driver spot any potential hazards, such as animals or obstacles, much earlier than low beams would. This is crucial for safety, as rural roads are often less populated and may not have street lighting.

In contrast, using high beams in foggy conditions can actually reduce visibility because the light reflects off the fog, making it harder to see. Similarly, during heavy rain, high beams can create glare and reduce the driver's ability to see clearly. In urban areas, street lights typically provide sufficient illumination, so using high beams could be disruptive to other drivers. Thus, they are most appropriate for open, dark roads where visibility is compromised.