All vehicles, including two-wheelers, have two types of headlights: high-beam and low-beam headlights. Both have their own pros and cons. High-beam lights can illuminate the road surface ranging from a distance of 90m to 150m and illuminate a distance in front of a car ranging from 150m to 500m. High-beams should only be used when the road is dark and there are no oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front. They enable a clearer view at night and also for zones where light sources are scarce, with lower traffic as well.
This means that low-beam headlights should be used in case any vehicle is within 200 metres of the car and moving in the opposite direction. However, drivers mostly keep using high-beam headlights. High-beams point straight ahead, while low-beams are angled down towards the road. Many drivers use high-beam lights because they believe it helps them see much better on roads with heavy traffic. However, this practice can be disruptive and dangerous for other drivers, as it can blind them and make it difficult to see the road ahead.
Several accidents probably take place due to the use of high-beam lights; however, there are no statistics available. This is so because it is difficult to prove that an accident has occurred due to the use of high-beam light. As per Sec 360(3) r/w 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, the traffic police can impose a fine if any vehicle is seen needlessly using high-beams. This rule needs to be implemented in the State. High-beam headlights are to be used only when one is driving on a low-visibility road, like in rural areas and national highways. Drivers need to be alert and change from high-beam to low-beam as and when required. The use of high-beam headlights should be an exception rather than the rule.
