Washington County, OR – As daylight hours grow shorter and nighttime driving increases, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to use headlights properly and follow Oregon’s high-beam laws to prevent dangerous glare on the roads.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, most drivers are correctly turning on their headlights when visibility is limited, as required under Oregon Revised Statutes. However, deputies say misuse of high beams remains a common safety concern, especially during darker morning and evening commutes.
Under Oregon law, drivers must dim their high beams in two key situations. When following another vehicle, high beams must be turned off when within 350 feet of the vehicle ahead. When approaching oncoming traffic, drivers are required to dim high beams within 500 feet of the other vehicle.
Authorities warn that glare from high beams can temporarily blind other drivers, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, animals, or road hazards. This risk increases during periods of fog, rain, or snow, when light can reflect back toward drivers and further reduce visibility.
“High beams aren’t always safer,” the sheriff’s office emphasized in a public safety reminder. While headlights should always be on during low-visibility conditions, deputies urge drivers to remain aware of surrounding traffic and dim lights appropriately.
Washington County officials say following headlight and high-beam rules helps reduce crashes and keeps roads safer for everyone, especially during the darker winter months. Drivers are encouraged to check that all vehicle lights are functioning properly and to adjust driving habits as daylight hours continue to shrink across the Portland metro area.
Residents who regularly commute during early mornings or evenings are reminded that small actions—like dimming high beams at the right time—can make a significant difference in preventing collisions and close calls.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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