What does it mean to 'overdrive' vehicle headlights?

To 'overdrive' vehicle headlights refers to the scenario when a driver is traveling at a speed that exceeds the distance illuminated by the headlights. When this happens, the driver cannot see far enough ahead to react safely to obstacles or changes in the road conditions, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially at night. The headlights are designed to provide a certain amount of visibility, and if a driver goes too fast, they may not give themselves enough time to stop or maneuver when needed.

Understanding this concept emphasizes the importance of adapting speed to the visibility provided by the headlights, ensuring safety during night driving or in low visibility conditions.