Headlights on a motor vehicle may seem like a minor feature, but we assure you, they’re anything but. Proper headlight use can prevent car accidents and save lives in more ways than one. Have you ever had a near crash with someone at night who was driving with their headlights off? If so, you get this one! It can be scary to drive near other vehicles in the dark that don’t have their headlights in use.
When should you use your headlights? You should turn them on whenever it’s:
- Raining
- Foggy
- Dark
- Snowing
- Cloudy
- A frosty morning and other drivers can have icy or foggy windows
In addition to the above, you should also use your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing other cars. If you are having a hard time seeing other cars due to fog, dust, rain, snow, or the dark, other drivers are having a hard time seeing you too. You should also turn on your headlights when you’re driving on a small road in the country or in the mountains, even if the sun is still out.
Headlight Laws in Texas
Every state has its own laws regarding headlight use. In Texas, headlights have to be used under two circumstances: 1) when it’s nighttime and 2) when the driver cannot see more than 1000 feet. So, it’s safe to assume that weather-related conditions, such as rain, dust from the wind, snow, and fog can all affect disability.
“What about my high-beam headlights? Should I use those instead of my regular headlights?” While you should use your high-beam headlights when you’re driving on a country or mountain road at night, avoid using your high-beam headlights when you’re driving in the rain, fog, or snow. Why? Because these conditions can make it harder to see when you use high-beams. As high-beams shine into fog or precipitation, they reflect the bright light back toward your eyes, which impair your vision. It’s even more dangerous in a snowstorm.