What is a critical safety measure regarding speed and visibility?

The principle of never outrunning your headlights is crucial for safe driving, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions. This guideline emphasizes the importance of maintaining a speed that allows a driver to see and react to any obstacles or hazards within the range of their headlights. Headlights illuminate a limited area ahead of the vehicle; if a driver exceeds the ability of their headlights to light the road, they won't have enough time to respond to unexpected situations, such as pedestrians, animals, or road hazards.

Driving at a speed greater than what your headlights can adequately illuminate compromises safety and significantly increases the risk of accidents. Practicing this safety measure helps ensure that as you approach potential hazards, you have sufficient time to react appropriately, thereby enhancing driving safety and reducing the likelihood of collisions.