What does "over-driving" your headlights mean?

"Over-driving" your headlights refers to the situation where a driver is traveling at a speed that exceeds the distance they can see ahead of them illuminated by their vehicle's headlights. This can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles that may enter their path.

When driving at night or in low-light conditions, it's crucial to adjust your speed so that you have enough time to stop safely within the distance illuminated by your headlights. If a driver is going too fast for their headlights to effectively illuminate the road ahead, they may not have sufficient time to react to any hazards. This can lead to dangerous situations and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Understanding this concept reinforces the importance of adjusting speed according to visibility conditions, which is vital for safe driving practices, especially during nighttime driving.