High Beam or Low Beam at Night on the Highway?
3 Answers
High beam is recommended when driving at night on the highway. Vehicles travel at higher speeds on highways compared to urban roads or national highways. In high-speed driving conditions, if an obstacle suddenly appears ahead, using low beam leaves the driver with less reaction time, which can be dangerous. High beam, on the other hand, provides more adequate reaction time. When meeting another vehicle: Of course, it's better to use low beam when encountering another vehicle. This is more courteous and prevents the high beam from dazzling the other driver, which could otherwise put you in a dangerous situation. Turn on the width lights: Whether on the highway or ordinary roads, width lights must be turned on. If the vehicle breaks down and cannot move or is parked on the emergency lane, the hazard warning lights must be activated.
When driving on the highway at night, I always switch my headlights according to the situation: if there are no vehicles ahead or coming from the opposite direction, I use the high beams because they illuminate the road several hundred meters ahead, helping me see road signs, animals, or obstacles, giving me a clearer view and more confidence. However, as soon as I spot any headlights, even a tiny dot, I immediately switch back to low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers and causing accidents. On the highway, where speeds are high, the timing of switching lights is crucial, so it's essential to develop the habit of constant observation. I've also encountered heavy fog where using high beams would reflect back and impair visibility—in such cases, I promptly switch to low beams or fog lights. In short, never compromise safety for momentary convenience; act decisively when it's time to change lights, as it concerns both your life and others'.
Years of driving experience have taught me that using high beams on highways at night is reasonable, provided it doesn't affect other vehicles: high beams expand the field of vision, especially on dark road sections or mountainous highways, helping to avoid missing potential hazards. However, upon detecting oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead at close range, it's essential to immediately switch to low beams, adhering to traffic rules to avoid fines or conflicts. I make it a habit to activate high beams only when the road ahead is clear, switching back as soon as I spot any vehicle lights, including taillights in the rearview mirror. Nighttime highway driving carries high risks, and improper light settings can easily lead to fatigued driving. I must stay alert and train my reflexes. Additionally, regularly checking the brightness of car lights is crucial to prevent unexpected failures that could lead to worse consequences.
