When should you use your high beams while driving?

Using high beams while driving is appropriate in rural areas without streetlights because these areas often lack sufficient illumination, making it difficult to see potential hazards such as wildlife, pedestrians, or other vehicles. High beams provide increased visibility, allowing you to see further down the road and better understand the environment.

In contrast, using high beams in fog can actually reduce visibility, as the light reflects off the fog particles, causing a glare. In well-lit areas, it's unnecessary to use high beams since streetlights provide adequate illumination. In heavy traffic, using high beams can be blinding to other drivers, creating safety hazards. Therefore, using high beams is most effective and safe in situations where natural light is insufficient, like rural areas without streetlights.