You're driving down a dark, quiet road, when suddenly, another car approaches with its high beams blinding you. The headlights seem like they're coming straight from the sun, and you can barely see the road ahead. Sound familiar?

High-beam headlights are a common frustration for night drivers, but there are ways to handle it safely and calmly. Here's how you can cope with high-beam headlights without letting it ruin your drive.

Adjust Your Rearview Mirror

One of the simplest ways to deal with bright headlights is by adjusting your rearview mirror. Most cars come with an auto-dimming mirror, but if yours doesn't, here's what you can do:

• Manual Adjustment: Flip the small lever at the bottom of the mirror to change its angle. This will reflect less light from the car behind and reduce the glare in your eyes.

• Angle Your Side Mirrors: If you're dealing with headlights coming from the rear, adjusting your side mirrors slightly outward can also help direct the light away from your eyes.

The key here is to minimize the direct glare, so take a second to adjust the mirrors when you notice the high beams.

Keep Your Eyes Moving

Staring directly at bright lights can strain your eyes and make it harder to see the road. Instead of fixating on the headlights, try these tips:

• Look at the Road's Edge: Focus on the right side of the road or the lane markings. This will help you stay oriented without being distracted by the high beams.

• Use Peripheral Vision: Your peripheral vision can pick up on the road conditions and vehicles around you, even if you're not looking directly at the headlights.

By shifting your gaze away from the blinding light, you'll reduce the chance of being temporarily blinded and improve your overall visibility.

Flash Your Lights Once

If you're the one getting blinded by another driver's high beams, one strategy is to give them a quick flash of your lights. This can signal to the other driver that their headlights are too bright. Here's how to do it right:

• Be Quick and Subtle: Flashing your headlights once (and only once) is often enough to get the other driver's attention. Don't flash repeatedly, as this could confuse or annoy them.

• Be Sure They're at Fault: Sometimes, it's hard to tell if someone has their high beams on, especially if they're driving far behind you. Make sure that the driver is indeed using high beams before flashing them.

Flashing your lights can be a simple and effective way to communicate with the other driver, especially if they might not be aware of their bright headlights.

Use Your Fog Lights

Fog lights are designed to help you see in low-visibility conditions, like fog or heavy rain, but they can also come in handy when dealing with bright high beams. Here's why:

• Low to the Ground: Fog lights sit lower on your car, which means they shine beneath the glare of oncoming headlights. This helps you see the road more clearly while avoiding further blinding from high beams.

• Use Them Wisely: Only turn on your fog lights when needed. Overusing them can confuse other drivers, especially in dry conditions. Keep them on when you need a little extra visibility, but remember that they're not a substitute for your regular headlights.

Using your fog lights thoughtfully can give you an edge in terms of visibility, helping you stay focused on the road.

Protect Your Eyes

Night driving can be tough on your eyes, especially when high beams are involved. Here are some ways to protect your vision:

• Wear Polarized Sunglasses: If you frequently drive at night or in bright light, consider wearing polarized sunglasses. These can help reduce glare, even at night, and provide some relief from bright headlights.

• Keep Your Eyes Healthy: If you notice your eyes are getting sore or tired, it might be a sign that you need corrective lenses or a change in prescription. Regular eye exams can ensure your vision is sharp enough for night driving.

Taking care of your eyes and investing in sunglasses can make night driving much more comfortable and safer.

Stay Calm and Be Patient

It's easy to get frustrated when you're being blinded by high beams, but staying calm is key. Impatient driving or tailgating won't make the situation better—it might only make it worse. Here are some tips to stay composed:

• Avoid Escalating the Situation: If the other driver is frustrating you, don't retaliate by using your high beams or driving roughly. This could lead to dangerous road rage incidents.

• Increase Your Following Distance: If you can't see well due to bright headlights, give yourself extra space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more time to react in case of sudden stops or changes in traffic.

• Pull Over if Necessary: If the blinding lights become unbearable, and you're struggling to drive safely, don't hesitate to pull over to the side of the road. Take a moment to regain your composure and wait for the other car to pass.

Being patient and calm allows you to make better decisions on the road and keeps everyone safer.

If It Happens Frequently, Consider Upgrading Your Lights

If you find that you're constantly struggling with high beams from other drivers, it might be worth considering an upgrade to your own headlights. Here's why:

• LED or HID Headlights: Upgrading to more modern lighting can provide a brighter, clearer light without blinding oncoming traffic. LED or HID headlights are more energy-efficient and can improve your overall visibility, making night driving less stressful.

• Auto-Adjusting Headlights: Some newer cars come with headlights that automatically adjust their brightness based on oncoming traffic. If this is an option in your vehicle, it can help prevent blinding other drivers.

While this won't solve all high-beam problems, it can help improve your own driving experience and reduce glare for others.

Dealing with high beams while driving at night can be frustrating, but with a few simple tricks, you can make the experience more manageable. From adjusting your mirrors to staying patient and calm, each step helps you maintain control and safety on the road. Keep your eyes moving, communicate with other drivers, and take care of your vision to make night driving more comfortable. Safe travels!