What does "overdriving your headlights" mean?

Overdriving your headlights refers to the situation where a driver is traveling at a speed that is greater than the distance illuminated by their headlights. This means that if a driver cannot stop within the area that they can see, they may not have enough time to react to obstacles or hazards in the roadway, leading to a dangerous situation.

When driving at night, headlights provide limited visibility; thus, it’s crucial to maintain a speed that allows for safe stopping within that illuminated distance. If a driver is going too fast, they may not see an object, pedestrian, or road hazard until it is too late, resulting in a higher risk of an accident. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the concept of overdriving your headlights is essential for nighttime driving safety.