Should You Switch Between High and Low Beams When Crossing an Intersection at Night?
4 Answers
Should you switch between high and low beams when crossing an intersection at night? Alternate between high and low beams when passing through an uncontrolled intersection at night: Alternate between high and low beams when passing through sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or uncontrolled intersections at night. Motor vehicles should use low beams when passing through signal-controlled intersections at night. On roads without central barriers or center lines, switch to low beams when meeting an oncoming vehicle at a distance of more than 150 meters at night. Motor vehicles should turn on headlights, position lights, and rear lights when driving under low visibility conditions: Motor vehicles should turn on headlights, position lights, and rear lights when driving at night on roads without streetlights, under poor lighting conditions, or in low-visibility situations such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail. However, high beams should not be used when a following vehicle is traveling close behind another vehicle moving in the same direction.
I've been driving at night for several years, and I always switch between high and low beams when approaching intersections. This not only helps me see the road conditions better but also alerts pedestrians and other vehicles to be cautious. A quick flash of the lights lets everyone know a car is coming, especially in complex areas like crossroads where risks are high. I remember one time in the suburbs when I didn’t switch my lights and almost hit a pedestrian crossing the road—since then, I’ve made it a habit. The specific approach is: switch to high beams to scan the environment before reaching the intersection, then immediately switch back to low beams to pass through normally. Never keep the high beams on continuously, as the glare can cause danger. The core of safe driving is anticipation, and switching lights is a proactive defense—forming good habits is crucial. Additionally, extra caution is needed when using lights in rainy or foggy conditions, combined with checking the vehicle’s lighting status to enhance safety.
As a car enthusiast, I believe it's essential to toggle between high and low beams when crossing intersections at night. Headlight design inherently aims to enhance visibility, and switching beams helps scan blind spots at intersections, such as pedestrians under tree shadows or vehicles in hidden areas. My car has automatic headlights, but I still prefer manual control for peace of mind—quickly flashing high beams when approaching an intersection before reverting to low beams avoids glare while serving as a warning. From a safety perspective, this prevents blind-spot accidents and improves overall driving fluidity. Light control should adapt to the environment like breathing. Don’t forget regular headlight maintenance to check brightness and ensure proper functionality. Based on practical experience, briefly switching beams makes intersection navigation safer and more orderly.
When I first got my driver's license, I was unsure about changing lights. My instructor said you must switch lights when crossing intersections at night. After trying it a few times, it really helped: switching to high beams lets you see people and cars in the shadows, then switching back to low beams avoids blinding others. New drivers often hesitate because they fear distraction, but it becomes second nature with practice. Changing lights is a signal to other road users—simple yet practical. I recommend practicing a few more times to boost confidence.
