How to Handle Oncoming Traffic as a Beginner Driver?
3 Answers
Methods for handling oncoming traffic as a beginner driver are: 1. On roads with a centerline, maintain an appropriate lateral safety distance from oncoming vehicles and drive on the right side of the centerline; 2. On roads without a centerline, slow down and keep to the right; 3. On sections with obstacles, reduce speed and proceed slowly. Precautions for beginner drivers when handling oncoming traffic include: 1. Pay attention to traffic signals and signs; 2. In conditions with poor visibility, reduce speed in advance and drive with low beams; 3. Avoid using emergency brakes, suddenly releasing the accelerator, or making sharp steering wheel turns; 4. Avoid encountering oncoming traffic near obstacles; 5. Avoid complex locations such as narrow bridges, narrow roads, tunnels, and sharp curves; 6. Avoid using high beams during nighttime oncoming traffic.
When I first started driving, I was most afraid of oncoming traffic, especially on those two-lane rural roads. The key is to observe early—spot the oncoming vehicle from a distance and don’t hesitate to slow down. If the road is as narrow as a snake, don’t play chicken; proactively pull over where it’s wider. Even in daylight, flash your low beams twice as a courtesy. At night, remember to switch to low beams at least 150 meters away, or you’ll blind the other driver. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and leave at least a bike’s width of space when passing. After clearing, don’t rush to accelerate—check the rearview mirror to ensure no contact was made.
I'm particularly attentive to headlight switching during nighttime encounters. When I see opposing headlights illuminate, I mentally count the distance and estimate around 150 meters before flicking the stalk on the steering wheel to immediately switch from high beam to low beam. If the other driver fails to dim their lights, don't retaliate by keeping your high beams on - just quickly flash yours twice as a reminder. The most nerve-wracking situation is when a parked semi-truck obstructs your view - that's when you should reduce speed below 30 km/h and keep your right foot hovering over the brake. During rainy conditions, reduce your speed by an additional 20% when meeting vehicles, as tire slippage distances are significantly longer. When heavy vehicles like cement mixers or dump trucks approach, you can even feel the vibration through your windshield - just keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and stay calm.
