What is the primary reason to use high beams only when safe?

Using high beams only when safe is primarily about avoiding the blinding of other drivers. High beams are designed to illuminate the road much more brightly than low beams, which can significantly impair the vision of oncoming drivers or those driving ahead of you. When a driver is blinded by high beams, it can lead to dangerous situations, including reduced situational awareness and an increased risk of accidents. Using high beams responsibly ensures that you can maximize your visibility without endangering others on the road.

The other reasons listed have their own validity but do not directly address the primary concern regarding safety on the road. While conserving energy and preventing wear on bulbs are important considerations for vehicle maintenance, they are not the main focus when discussing the safe use of high beams. Additionally, high beams are typically not effective in fog because they can reflect off the moisture in the air, creating a glare, which actually reduces visibility rather than enhances it. Therefore, the emphasis on safe high beam usage is firmly rooted in protecting the safety of all drivers on the road.