What does 'turning off the headlights and keeping the small lights on' mean?
4 Answers
Turning off the headlights and keeping the small lights on refers to switching off the high beams while keeping the low beams on. Here are some details about vehicle lights: 1. Function: Vehicle lights refer to the lamps on a vehicle, serving as tools for road illumination during night driving and as signaling devices to convey various driving signals. 2. Classification: Vehicle lights are generally divided into headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc. (1) Headlights: Combined headlights are located at the front of the vehicle, primarily serving illumination and signaling purposes. The light emitted by headlights illuminates the road ahead, enabling safe driving at night. (2) Taillights: Combined taillights are located at the rear of the vehicle, mainly serving illumination and signaling purposes. (3) Turn signals: These are lamps used to indicate left or right turns to other road users, and regulations require turn signals to be amber in color.
I've been driving for nearly forty years and have seen people do this in many places, meaning turning off the high beams and keeping only the small lights on when parking or driving at low speeds. The small lights refer to those small bulbs on the sides, mainly used for nighttime parking illumination or as a warning, without interfering with the vision of oncoming vehicles—for example, when parking on city streets without dazzling pedestrians. This practice can save battery power, especially in winter or in cars with aging batteries; if not done, the strong light may lead to disputes or fines from traffic police. When I was young, I almost had an accident on a rural road because I didn’t turn off the high beams. Looking back, this habit stems from safety rules and energy-saving considerations. Now, with the popularity of electric vehicles, everyone should still pay attention to turning off the high beams to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, cultivating good habits to protect themselves and others.
I just got my driver's license recently, and I remember the instructor repeatedly emphasizing this action during class. Simply put, it means turning off the main headlights and keeping only the parking lights on when the car is stationary or waiting at a red light. The parking lights provide basic illumination, such as making the car visible in parking lots, without consuming too much power or causing light pollution. During practice, I tried it and found it really helps other drivers see my position in rainy or foggy conditions. This is related to safe driving. When I was learning to drive, I learned that some regulations require parking lights to be on when parked at night to prevent rear-end collisions. Modern car lights are mostly LED, which are more energy-efficient but follow the same principle. I recommend that new drivers master this early to avoid unnecessary risks.
As a mom, I always prioritize safety when taking my kids out, and this habit refers to keeping only the parking lights on while turning off the headlights when parked. For example, when picking up kids at school, turning off the bright lights avoids dazzling other drivers, while the small lights provide a soft glow to ensure the car is noticed and reduce accidents. The reasoning is simple and practical: bright lights waste battery and annoy others, while small lights protect everyone in dark corners or foggy conditions. Once, I forgot to turn off the headlights and was reminded on my way home, realizing I could have been fined. Developing this good habit makes roads more harmonious, and I encourage family or friends to practice it together.
