Can You Use High and Low Beams to Alert Pedestrians at Night?
2 Answers
When driving at night, you can use alternating high and low beams to alert pedestrians. According to Article 59 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": When a motor vehicle passes sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic signal control at night, it should use alternating high and low beams as a signal. Precautions for safe nighttime driving: Maintain a good mindset when driving at night and avoid emotional driving. Before departure, check whether the vehicle's lights, dashboard indicators (steering wheel, brakes, tire pressure, etc.) are functioning normally. Drivers must avoid fatigue or prolonged driving. Maintain a safe following distance during the journey—generally, at speeds below 70 km/h, keep a distance of at least 40 meters. Due to reduced visibility at night, choose well-lit, wide, and flat areas for overtaking. Avoid overtaking on uphill roads, curves, or narrow sections. Before overtaking, check for obstacles, then signal early with turn indicators, use appropriate honking or high-low beam flashing to inform surrounding vehicles of your intention. When approaching turns or intersections, reduce speed 50 to 100 meters before reaching them, switch from high beam to low beam, and activate turn signals to indicate your direction. Ensure slow turning speeds and align your line of sight with the driving direction to guarantee safety ahead.
At night, switching between high and low beams is indeed a common practice to alert pedestrians. When I encounter pedestrians on the road, especially in dimly lit sections, I quickly toggle the light switch a few times—the changing beams help grab their attention. However, it's crucial to avoid shining high beams directly into their eyes, as this can cause temporary blindness and increase danger. I often use this method on rural roads with good results; pedestrians tend to move away from the lane faster. I make it a habit to drive slower and observe pedestrian movements, especially during foggy or rainy nights when visibility is poor, making light signals even more necessary. Remember to follow traffic rules, as some areas may fine drivers for excessive light use, so keep the signals brief and polite. Overall, this is a small but effective technique that enhances nighttime driving safety for both parties.
