Respecting Oncoming Traffic: Using high beams when overtaking another vehicle at night can be blinding and dangerous for oncoming traffic. High beams produce a bright, concentrated beam of light that can temporarily impair the vision of drivers coming from the opposite direction. This glare can make it difficult for oncoming drivers to see the road and react to hazards, leading to potential accidents.
Avoiding Distraction: Using high beams while overtaking can also be distracting for the driver of the vehicle you are passing. The sudden bright light from your vehicle can momentarily affect their vision and concentration, making it harder for them to stay in their lane and navigate safely.
Glare and Reflections: High beams can create excessive glare and reflections from roadside objects, such as road signs, guardrails, and parked vehicles. This glare can hinder the visibility of both you and the oncoming driver, making it difficult to distinguish between obstacles and the actual roadway.
Legal Requirement: In many countries and jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to use low beams when overtaking at night. Failing to do so may result in traffic violations and fines.
By using low beams when overtaking at night, you promote safer driving conditions for yourself and other road users, reduce the risk of accidents, and adhere to traffic laws.