What is the primary purpose of dimming your headlights before meeting another car?

Dimming your headlights before meeting another car is essential primarily to avoid blinding the other driver. High beams are significantly brighter than low beams and can impair the visibility of oncoming drivers, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road. By switching to low beams, you ensure that your headlights do not create excessive glare for the other driver, allowing them to see clearly and react appropriately, thereby promoting safety for both drivers.

While reducing glare from your own windshield and enhancing the visibility of your vehicle are relevant to nighttime driving, they are secondary to the primary goal of not blinding others. Federal regulations may exist regarding headlight use, but the primary concern is the safety and visibility of all road users.