What does the basic rule 'do not overdrive headlights' mean?

What does the basic rule 'do not overdrive headlights' mean?

• A. Do not drive faster than your headlights can illuminate
• B. Do not drive with headlights on
• C. Do not drive on the shoulder
• D. Do not use high beams

Answer: (A)

Not overdriving headlights means you drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance your headlights can illuminate. When it’s dark, the area you can see ahead is limited by the headlight range, and your total stopping distance—your perception time, your reaction time, and your braking distance—increases with speed. If you travel faster than the illuminated distance allows you to stop, you can’t react and brake in time to avoid a crash. So, you reduce speed on dark roads or in poor visibility to keep your stopping ability within what your headlights reveal. The other options describe separate rules or unsafe actions and don’t capture the idea of matching your speed to how far you can see ahead with your lights.

Not overdriving headlights means you drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance your headlights can illuminate. When it’s dark, the area you can see ahead is limited by the headlight range, and your total stopping distance—your perception time, your reaction time, and your braking distance—increases with speed. If you travel faster than the illuminated distance allows you to stop, you can’t react and brake in time to avoid a crash. So, you reduce speed on dark roads or in poor visibility to keep your stopping ability within what your headlights reveal.

The other options describe separate rules or unsafe actions and don’t capture the idea of matching your speed to how far you can see ahead with your lights.