While driving around sunset or in other low visibility conditions, you might be surprised to see some other vehicles without their headlights on. It's often difficult to see these vehicles during the dusk or in foggy conditions, and you may wonder how the driver can possibly see enough to safely make their way down the road.

Some drivers may have inadvertently forgotten to turn their headlights on. Others may think they can see well enough due to streetlights or other sources of illumination, forgetting that headlights have a dual purpose of making their vehicle more visible to others.

Each state has its own laws for when headlights are required. In Connecticut, drivers must turn on their headlights anytime between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. State law also stipulates that headlights must be used during poor weather, insufficient light conditions, and when visibility is less than 500 feet.

Whenever you turn your windshield wipers on, turn the headlights on as well. This is required by Connecticut law to improve your visibility to other drivers in rainy or snowy conditions.

There are several other driving conditions where headlight use can let you see the road better, improve your visibility to others, and decrease your risk of a crash. The driving resource DMV.org says headlights should be used in sleet, fog, or when smoke from wildfires is reducing visibility. Headlights can also improve safety when used on rural and mountain roads or narrow two-lane highways, and are required in areas of dense foliage or other routes where road signs indicate that daytime headlight use is necessary.

When possible, use your high beams. These are particularly useful on rural roads, since they illuminate a longer stretch of road and give you more time to react to any hazards.

However, you should avoid use of high beams in inclement weather conditions. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles says high beams will reflect light back toward the driver in rain, fog, and snow, increasing glare and making it more difficult to see.

Be careful about "overdriving your headlights," and reduce your speed to ensure that you'll be able to stop if necessary. High beams generally let you see about 400 feet in front of you.

You should switch from high beams to low beams when you encounter other vehicles. Dim the lights when an oncoming vehicle is about a block away, when you come up on the rear of a vehicle in front of you, or when you encounter heavy traffic.

While state law offers a general overview of when to use your headlights, it is often beneficial to use them more frequently. Turn them on when it starts to get dark, even if the sun set less than half an hour ago or is less than half an hour from rising. It's also a good idea to turn your headlights on if you're having trouble seeing other vehicles, since their drivers are likely having trouble seeing you as well.

Visibility will be compromised when the sun is low on the horizon. If you are traveling away from the rising or setting sun, use your headlights to make oncoming drivers more aware of your presence.

Check to see if your headlights are on before you set out, especially if you are leaving a well-lit area such as a gas station or traveling on a road with plenty of streetlights. These areas are usually illuminated well enough that you can see the road, but other drivers will have a more difficult time seeing you. If another driver flashes their high beams or turns their headlights on and off, they may be warning you that you need to turn your own lights on.

Never use parking lights instead of your headlights. As the name suggests, these lights are meant to be used when the vehicle is stationary.