Why Do City Drivers Use Full Beams Despite Streetlights?
The phenomenon of city drivers leaving their full headlights (high beams) on in areas with sufficient street lighting is a common and perplexing issue. This article explores the reasons behind this behavior, its implications, and solutions suggested by experienced drivers.
Understanding the Drivers
There are various reasons why city drivers might choose to drive with their full beams on despite the presence of adequate streetlights. Some may be unfamiliar with the high beam switch, others might find it challenging to remember to turn the high beams off in bright urban conditions compared to rural settings, while some might not care about the visual disturbance they cause to others on the road.
Streetlight Brightness and Visibility
City lights are often significantly brighter than rural areas, leading some drivers to mistakenly believe their high beams are still necessary. Even when streetlights are sufficient for visibility, certain urban drivers may find it difficult to judge the state of their lighting systems accurately, particularly in the presence of bright streetlights.
Manual Dexterity and Awareness
Some drivers have physical challenges that prevent them from operating the dip switch, which is required to dim headlights for oncoming traffic in many jurisdictions. In North Dakota, for example, drivers are mandated to dip their headlights for oncoming vehicles on the same roadway. However, the attorney general has determined that drivers on a median-divided highway do not need to dim their headlights for oncoming traffic on a separate roadway, but the majority still adhere to this practice out of precaution.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights and Blinding
The use of high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights further complicates the issue. These lights can be extremely bright, often blinding other drivers, especially in urban areas where the contrast between the streetlights and the vehicle's headlights is stark. In Washington, it is not uncommon for drivers to use HID headlights, which can exacerbate the problem of blinding other road users.
Consequences and Solutions
The use of full beams in well-lit urban areas can lead to accidents and road rage. Some drivers have taken to installing aftermarket HID kits or using other means to turn off other drivers' beams. My personal solution was to install a 100W HID kit, which has proven to be effective 90% of the time, making it difficult for other drivers to continue using their full beams without causing additional discomfort.
For those who continue to cause disturbances, the use of paint pens or permanent markers to mark their vehicle can also be a deterrent. Though it can be frustrating to encounter stubborn drivers who refuse to turn off their full beams, understanding the underlying issues can help in finding appropriate solutions to this ongoing problem.
Additionally, mandatory safety refresher courses every five years for driver's license renewals could help to improve overall road safety awareness and reduce the incidence of improper use of headlights. Training and awareness should prioritize teaching drivers to evaluate visibility conditions accurately and to use their lights responsibly, contributing to a safer urban driving environment.