How to Deal With Headlights From Other Vehicles Safely
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
When dealing with bright headlights from another vehicle, shift your gaze toward the right edge of your lane, use your mirror's night setting if following traffic is too bright, and avoid staring directly at the light source.
Other drivers' headlights - whether from an oncoming car or one following too closely with high beams on - are a common and manageable source of temporary visibility trouble.
Oncoming High Beams
Looking toward the right edge of your lane rather than directly at oncoming headlights reduces the temporary blinding effect while still keeping your lane position visible.
Bright Headlights From Behind
Most mirrors include a night or anti-glare setting that reduces the intensity of headlights reflected from directly behind, which is worth using whenever following traffic feels uncomfortably bright.
When It Feels Deliberate
If another driver seems to be leaving their high beams on deliberately, the safest response is still to manage your own visibility rather than retaliating, connecting to the broader idea of courteous driving.