When and where to use your brights in Alaska
Using your brights safely
Conclusion
When and where to use your brights in Alaska
Your high beams should only be used in the circumstance that you are on a poorly lit road and/or visibility is low. Based on that it does not sound like you will be using your high beams too often regardless of where you are. However, in Alaska you will likely find ample opportunity to properly and safely use your car’s brights.
Alaska has some of the more poorly lit stretches of highway in the country. These highway stretches are also quite long and very desolate, so using your high beams will be a great idea. There are also much higher rates of snow on these roads during the winter. So, on top of darker conditions, you could very well be dealing with low visibility as well.
Using your brights safely
It is without a doubt the right choice to use your high beams if you are on a long dark Alaskan highway in the snow without any oncoming cars across from you. However, there are definitely times that you should absolutely not use your brights because they can become hazardous to yourself and other drivers.
You should turn them off when an oncoming driver is approaching because you could blind them, and they could lose control of their car. That also means when they do, they could possibly cross the divider and crash into your car. You should also never use them in a fog which does go against the general rules for using them but in fog, your brights can reflect back off the fog and lower your visibility even more.
Finally, if you have a headlight that is out, do not try and fool the police by using your high beams instead. First of all, it is dangerous and can blind other drivers as we previously mentioned. Second, police can recognize a driver improperly using high beams instantly and can ticket you for doing so. Also, always check your brights to make sure that one or both of the bulbs has not burned out.
Conclusion
Your car’s high beams are a critically important tool for your safety in Alaska. However, they can be the opposite if you use them improperly. Only use your brights in Alaska when there is not close oncoming traffic, the road is poorly lit and/or visibility is much lower than normal due to something such as snow (Fog is an exception, do not use your high beams in the fog). Finally, always be sure to check that your brights are in working order at least twice a month.
If you need any type of car or vehicle transported to or from Alaska at any time of the year, get in touch with our vehicle shipping experts today!
