Last night, as I flipped on the high beams, the wife said "I didn't know the truck has cornering lights like my Olds". Sure enough, at about the 2 & 10 o'clock position to each side of the truck was a dazzling vertical bar of very intense light, bright enough to light up trees and other objects 50-75 yards on each side of the truck. I hadn't noticed it previously because of the A-pillar. Later, I noted that it is caused by reflection off the chromed concave area between the headlight and yellow turn signal. What a waste of photons that would be better directed down the highway. Besides, the cows along my rural road stampede whenever they see me coming at night!

 

I think you discovered why they are like that... to keep deer and other wildlife "pinned" to the side of the road instead of running across then stopping.

also I am sure its better for reading signs that have lost thier reflective coating.