What is the appropriate action if you are approaching an oncoming vehicle at night and your high beams are on?

Switching to low beam headlights immediately is the appropriate action when approaching an oncoming vehicle at night with your high beams on. High beam headlights are designed to illuminate the road well ahead, but they can create a blinding glare for other drivers, especially when facing them directly. This glare can impair the oncoming driver's visibility and reaction time, therefore, it is necessary to switch to low beams to reduce the brightness and minimize distraction.

Using low beams ensures that you maintain adequate visibility without creating hazardous conditions for other road users. This is a staple rule in driving at night and reflects a courteous and responsible approach to road safety. Maintaining high beams, flashing high beams, or increasing speed would not only be unsafe but could also lead to conflicts with other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, the immediate switch to low beams is the safest and most responsible choice.