Driving at night presents exceptional challenges, and one of the most crucial yet often overlooked factors is headlight alignment. Properly aligned headlights not only ensure that you can clearly see the road ahead but also help other drivers see you. It reduces the risk of accidents. 

Misaligned headlights, whether too high or too low, create dangerous blind spots or glare that impairs visibility for all road users. Adjusting your headlights correctly is essential for safe and confident nighttime driving. 

In this article, we will explore the hazards of misaligned headlights and how they can be corrected easily to save lives. 

How Misaligned Headlights Reduce Visibility

Clear, balanced illumination is crucial for recognizing hazards quickly. Without it, nighttime driving becomes far more dangerous and unpredictable.

Business Insider reported that about two-thirds of cars in the US had at least one misaligned headlight. They are either aimed too high, causing excessive glare for other drivers, or too low, limiting visibility. Currently, there is no consistent testing to ensure headlights remain properly aligned.

Misaligned headlights significantly reduce visibility by failing to properly illuminate the road. Even slight misalignment can cause uneven lighting and increase the risk of accidents. 

The Hazard of Accidents Caused by Flawed Lighting

Driving at night already poses challenges, and poor headlight alignment can make conditions even more dangerous by limiting visibility and reaction time. 

A tragic example underscores this risk. As reported by 5 On Your Side, three people died in a crash late Sunday night on May 18, 2025, in north St. Louis. A 12-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the incident. The accident happened around 10:50 p.m., a time when lighting issues often play a role in nighttime collisions.

Headlights remain one of the main contributors to such crashes. In these cases, seeking guidance from a St. Louis car crash lawyer can help determine fault and pursue justice for victims. 

TorHoerman Law states that local attorneys are especially important because they understand state laws and regional traffic patterns. They also know how to build a strong case for affected families.

Ultimately, having proper headlight alignment is one of the easiest methods to decrease risks. It is also one of the most influential methods to prevent such devastating incidents.

Protecting Other Drivers from Headlight Glare

Headlight glare is a common hazard that can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. Misaligned headlights, especially when angled too high, direct intense beams into the eyes of other motorists.

NBC News states that clearer road illumination and reduced glare are essential for safer night driving. With nighttime crashes causing fatalities at three times higher than daytime collisions, improving vehicle lighting has long been a focus for US automakers. However, American drivers today often contend with less effective headlights compared to motorists in other countries.

Proper headlight angle ensures that your lights brighten your path without endangering others. Adjusting headlights correctly helps drivers promote a more comfortable driving experience for everyone.

Simple Ways to Check and Correct Headlight Alignment

Start by parking your car on a level surface facing a flat wall or garage door about 25 feet away. Mark the headlight beams on the wall with tape to use as a guide.

According to Popular Mechanics, manufacturers often use different distances for proper headlight alignment. Chrysler recommends checking alignment at 33 feet, while Toyota suggests just 10 feet. This is another reason why consulting the owner’s manual is essential for accurate guidance.

If the beams sit too high, too low, or off-center, adjust them with adjustment screws located near the headlight housing. Following your owner’s manual for exact instructions ensures accuracy. 

How Weather and Road Conditions Affect Headlight Performance

Weather and road conditions affect headlights' performance at night. Rain, fog, or snow can scatter and weaken light beams, increasing invisibility. On wet roads, headlight beams often reflect off the surface, reducing contrast and hiding hazards. 

Dust, dirt, or road salt buildup on headlight covers can further block light output. Regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and ensuring headlights improve visibility and overall safety in varying weather and road conditions.

Long-Term Benefits of Properly Aligned Headlights

Consistent, well-directed beams reduce eye strain and fatigue during night driving. Now, adaptive headlights are trending due to their advanced lighting systems that automatically adjust the direction and range of a vehicle’s beams. 

According to The Guardian, in 2022, NHTSA allowed US car manufacturers to install adaptive driving beam headlights, a technology already widely used across Europe. Many US headlights can automatically dim from high to low beams when detecting oncoming traffic. 

Adaptive headlights, however, go further by using advanced sensors and LED technology to precisely adjust light patterns for safer, clearer visibility. They improve visibility on curves, hills, and during turns, enhancing overall safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should headlights be inspected for alignment?

Headlights should be inspected at least once a year or whenever you notice reduced visibility or glare. It’s also wise to check after hitting a pothole, curb, or during routine maintenance. Regular inspections ensure safer driving and consistent performance at night.

What signs indicate that headlights may be out of alignment?

Signs include uneven road illumination, one beam pointing higher or lower than the other, or difficulty seeing the road clearly at night. Oncoming drivers flashing their high beams is another clue. If you notice these issues, adjust your headlights.

Is professional headlight alignment expensive compared to DIY methods?

Professional headlight alignment is generally affordable, often costing less than major car repairs. While DIY methods are free, they may lack precision. A professional service ensures accurate alignment and reduced safety risks. A small cost is worth the added peace of mind.

Driving Safer with Proper Headlight Alignment

Properly aligned headlights are a simple yet vital part of safe night driving. They enhance visibility, reduce glare for others, and adapt better to weather and road conditions. 

Regular inspections and adjustments not only protect you but also create safer roads for everyone. By prioritizing headlight alignment, drivers gain long-term benefits, greater confidence, reduced risks, and a smoother driving experience.