When should you switch to low beams when meeting or following another vehicle at night?

Switching to low beams when meeting or following another vehicle at night is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of all drivers on the road. The correct distance to switch to low beams is when you are about 500 feet away from another vehicle. This distance allows you to provide adequate visibility without blinding the other driver with your high beams.

Using high beams can create significant glare, which is particularly hazardous to oncoming drivers and can impede their ability to see the road effectively. By switching to low beams in a timely manner, you not only comply with traffic regulations but also contribute to safer driving conditions for everyone.

Choosing any shorter distance, such as 200, 300, or 400 feet, may not be sufficient to mitigate glare and can still be dangerous for the other driver, which is why those options are not the recommended practice.