When to use High beam (Upper) and low beam (Lower)
Hello, this is one of the most important things to keep in mind while driving from my point of view. I will try to explain how and when to use High Beam and Low beam.
When to use HighBeam (Upper) and LowBeam (Lower)?
A high Beam is a light projection that covers more area ahead of you. But it should not be used in cities. Most drivers are not aware of what is HighBeam or Lowbeam. A Highbeam is used to see far distances where visibility is low mostly where there are no street lights. You should not use a Highbeam where there is oncoming traffic because it completely blinds the oncoming driver.
If you have low visibility in the city slow your car down rather than using a HighBeam when there is oncoming traffic. This is also applicable to 2 lane highways which are most common in India. Sure there are no street lights on highways, but using a low beam when there is an oncoming vehicle is a good option. This can avoid accidents as the oncoming driver is not blinded by your HighBeam.
If there is a vehicle within 400 ft of yours ahead of or behind always use a Lowbeam whether you are on a highway or a city. The Highbeam can blind the driver via the rearview mirror also.
How to use HighBeam and LowBeam?
There is always a switch whether it be a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Don’t be confused and always drive on a HighBeam cause you do not know how to switch to a Lowbeam. Learn how a HighBeam and Lowbeam work and switch according to the situation.
In two-wheelers, there will be a button which when pressed down will be a Lowbeam and pressed up will be a HighBeam. This may vary so please confirm it from someone who has knowledge about it, or read your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
In four-wheelers, there is a lever behind your steering either on the left or right side. This lever when pushed down is high beam and pulled up is Lowbeam. This also may vary from car to car, so please confirm it from someone who has knowledge about it or read your vehicle’s owners manual.
Accident Action Forum claimed that 33% of accidents taking place at night were directly related to the misuse of high-beam lights. So please create awareness and spread the word about how high beam is hazardous to other drivers. And the person with knowledge should teach the person who is unaware of a Highbeam and Lowbeam. As this can save lives and reduce road accidents.
