Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Even at their best, headlights have limits
Headlights on modern cars are the best they’ve ever been, but drivers must always be aware that their field of vision at night is limited.
Low beams allow you to see clearly only about 25 or 30 metres ahead of your vehicle. Many drivers have found that isn’t very far if they have to make a sudden stop.
“The rule of thumb is that you should drive at a speed that allows you to stop in the distance you can see,” said Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education at Manitoba Public Insurance. “If your lights shine 30 metres ahead, you could stop safely within that distance when going 60 kilometres an hour, but not if you’re going 70.”
High beams allow you to see up to 110 metres ahead – but they should be used with caution.
“Other drivers can be blinded by high beams,” said Lou. “When another car approaches in the other direction, you should dim your high beams at about 450 metres. When you come up behind another vehicle, you should switch to low beam about 60 metres back.”
Headlights must be used from a half hour before sunset until a half hour after sunrise, and any other time when visibility is less than 60 metres.
“And drivers should check frequently to make sure both headlights are working,” said Lou. “Not only is it illegal to operate with just one, but it’s dangerous too.”
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Headlights in Driving Tips
- You can also access the 60-Second Driver video on Headlights directly
