Dazzling car headlights can cause accidents — here’s how to prevent it

SOLO, KOMPAS.com — Car headlights that are too bright can dazzle other drivers and put road safety at risk, particularly at night. Moreover, many drivers forget or deliberately use high beams without considering their surroundings, creating real safety hazards on the highways. Sony Susmana, Training Director of Safety Defensive Consultant Indonesia (SDCI), said that headlights that are too bright and cause glare to other drivers can endanger others’ comfort and safety. ‘The purpose of high beams is to maximise sight distance and guide the journey. But note that they must not disturb the driver in front or oncoming traffic, so they should be dimmed once the sight distance is achieved,’ Sony told Kompas.com recently. Sony also urged that if you are bothered by glare from another driver’s high beams, you should simply ignore them and not confront them directly. ‘Perhaps they don’t have time or forget to dim, or many do it deliberately; if you admonish them it’s a waste of energy,’ Sony said. ‘What is dangerous is the beam back; the driver’s eyes will be momentarily blinded and most eyes are drawn to the glare.’ Sony also said that high beams should be activated when visibility is limited, for example in darkness or in bad weather. If sight distance reduces, do not switch to a brighter, dazzling light; instead adjust the vehicle’s speed to stay safe, unless the space ahead is truly empty. By understanding the ethics of using car lights and adjusting to road conditions, drivers can protect their own safety and the comfort of other road users.