Is the proper use of brights (high-beams) a lost art? Does anyone know how to use their brights any more?

We old-timers know how, although nobody ever really aimed/aims their lights correctly. I would agree that it is a lost art, same as proper manners.

I truly dislike halogen headlights because they are absolutely blinding in oncoming traffic, even on low beam. I hate that more cars are coming out with them. I also have to agree that more cars carelessly approach on brights, wholly absent of regard for the oncoming car. That is very dangerous and after awhile, maddening. It is so unnecessary to be so negligent when the light switch is right there. People are so distracted they don't even think about their driving anymore. I do NOT use my brights in traffic. I only use them on mountain roads or if the road is clear of oncoming cars. Then, if one approaches, I immediately beam down for their benefit. Where has common decency gone?

Are you freakin kidding me?? I drive big trucks for a living and found the average car driver super clueless,dumb,and impatient bordering on dangerous. I drive well over a 100,000ks a year,so yes people are getting extremely stupid about the use of their highbeams,it seems about 7 out of 10 car drivers wont dim their lights,but will say 4 out that 7 will dim only after you have flashed them half a dozen times. Try this one,I will be traveling about 105kph 5 ks over the posted speed limit,and out of nowhere a car driver will do a super illegal unsafe pass,and then sit in front of me doing 10slower than I was traveling.happens at least 10 to 15 times a week. And the newer pickups today think they can use these utra bright drivng lights with their low beams??Whats up with that??

I, too, have seen an abysmal lack of common sense about high beam headlights. worst case; a colleague tole me a POLICEMAN had told him to ride his motorcycle with the high beams on all the time...

So to answer your question is yes I guess it is a lost art.

@skylight: PROPERLY AIMED HID headlights produce less glare than traditional headlights, but of course, if they are improperly aimed, they are as bad as anything else. probably the worst offenders where you are are the aftermarket upgrade kits, and the pretend HID kits that people put in and don't aim properly.