When should you dim your headlights while driving?

Dimming your headlights when approaching other cars at night is essential for ensuring safety on the road. High beams can be blinding to other drivers, making it difficult for them to see clearly. By dimming your headlights, you provide better visibility for oncoming vehicles and reduce the risk of creating dangerous situations. This practice is not only courteous but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Ohio.

While other options might represent scenarios where headlight adjustment can be beneficial, they do not specifically address the immediate need to prevent glare for other drivers in the same way. For example, fog and heavy rain can indeed affect visibility, and using low beams may be appropriate in those conditions. However, the primary reason to dim your headlights is when faced with oncoming traffic, making that scenario the most critical and relevant factor. In areas with streetlights, while it's typically safe to use low beams, it's primarily the oncoming traffic that prompts you to dim headlights. Understanding this priority enhances road safety for everyone involved.