Parvin Dabas says was not drunk during car accident: ‘I felt blinded and slowed down’

He further said that “a couple of other times, I felt blinded, and I slowed down.” “It is a real issue. This time also, there was something in the middle of the road. It was dark, and I couldn’t see it because of the high beam. I only realised it was a drum that was kept in the middle of the road as a divider. After it fell, I saw it was full of water, and then I hit the divider. If the other person weren’t driving with his high beam, I would have possibly seen it. I fell unconscious. Two boys whom I must thank helped me,” Dabad told India Today.

High beams can cause accidents (Source: Freepik)

Taking a cue from his revelation, let’s learn more about high-beam driving and its dangers.

While high beams are intended to improve visibility in low-light conditions, using them improperly—such as when there is oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle—can create serious safety risks, experts urge.

The intense brightness of high beams can temporarily blind drivers in oncoming vehicles, impairing their ability to see the road, traffic signals, and pedestrians. This temporary blindness can last several seconds, during which time a driver may lose control of their vehicle or fail to react to changing conditions.

When driving with high beams that have intense brightness, it can be risky for one’s life, said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai. “This blinding light shines directly into another driver’s eyes, especially during nighttime driving, which can lead to blurred vision. This causes temporary vision impairment known as night blindness, impacting one’s ability to see properly and causing dangerous misjudgments about distance and speed that can be unpleasant for one,” elaborated Dr Manjusha.

According to Dr Manjusha, there can also be a risk of an accident—a collision or hitting a pole or a divider.

When high beam headlights shine directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers, the light scatters, leading to a loss of depth perception and peripheral vision, explained Dr Rajul Agarwal, neurologist, Ujala Cygnus, Nangloi. “Additionally, the pupils constrict in response to the bright light, which can further blur vision and create stark contrast when returning to darkness. This risk is heightened in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, where the light reflects off moisture in the air, creating glare and reducing visibility even further. Consequently, blinded drivers may misjudge their position on the road, fail to see pedestrians or cyclists, or miscalculate the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, resulting in collisions,” elaborated Dr Rajul.

Additionally, the brightness from beams is also a source of intense distraction that can lead to cognitive overload for other drivers. “One who is driving can have a headache and confusion and won’t be able to make appropriate judgments,” contended Dr Manjusha.

What can help?

Stay vigilant and avoid using high beams for your and others’ health and well-being.

“Instead of high beam lights, one should opt for fog lights at the front of the vehicle’s bumper or grille. Fog lights can be beneficial in helping you to see the road and add light to your headlights and other lights.

“One’s vision will be clear, and he/she can avoid accidents. Even dipped lights or low-beam headlights can help one see properly without any disturbance,” said Dr Manjusha.

Additionally, keeping windshields clean, ensuring unobstructed vision, and taking regular breaks during long drives can help prevent fatigue and maintain alertness, added Dr Rajul. “Practicing good driving habits and being considerate of other road users can significantly reduce the risks associated with night driving and contribute to safer road conditions for everyone,” said Dr Rajul.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.