When is the use of high beams appropriate while driving?

The use of high beams is appropriate on dark, rural roads without oncoming traffic because these conditions typically lack sufficient street lighting. High beams can enhance visibility significantly in such environments, allowing drivers to see further down the road and detect any obstacles or hazards that may be present. This is crucial for safety, as rural areas often have wildlife and other unexpected scenarios that a driver needs to be aware of.

Employing high beams in heavy urban traffic situations can be detrimental, as they may dazzle and distract other drivers, making it unsafe. Using high beams during foggy weather is also inadvisable due to the way light scatters in the fog, which can actually reduce visibility. Lastly, using high beams at all times is unnecessary and inappropriate, as they can cause discomfort and hazards for other road users in well-lit areas or during adverse weather conditions. Thus, the safest and most effective use of high beams is specifically in situations where there is no oncoming traffic and minimal ambient light, as seen on dark, rural roads.