What is the method of using lights when driving at night?
4 Answers
Nighttime driving requires different light usage depending on the situation: 1. When driving on poorly lit roads without streetlights, turn on the headlights, position lights, and taillights; 2. When following another vehicle, switch from high beams to low beams; 3. When passing through sharp turns, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or uncontrolled intersections, change from high beams to low beams and alternate flashing as a signal; 4. When meeting an oncoming vehicle, switch from high beams to low beams when the vehicle is 150 meters away; 5. When meeting non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or bridges, use low beams instead of high beams; 6. In foggy conditions at night, turn on fog lights, position lights, taillights, and simultaneously activate the hazard warning flashers.
Using lights properly at night is crucial for both your safety and others'. I usually turn on the low beams as soon as I start the car—there's no need for high beams in well-lit urban areas. When driving on highways or unlit roads, you can switch to high beams for better visibility, but remember to switch back to low beams when there's oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle. In heavy rain or fog, turn on the fog lights and hazard lights, as the yellow light penetrates fog better. Also, remember to clean the lamp covers regularly; mud buildup can reduce light output by half. Adjust the headlight height properly—shining lights into the rearview mirror of the car ahead is inconsiderate. I check my bulbs monthly—lights are the eyes of nighttime driving.
Driving at night without proper lighting is no different from wandering blindly. After starting the engine, first check if the switching between low and high beams works properly. In the city, low beams are sufficient to see pedestrians at intersections. Switch to high beams only on dark rural roads, but remember to switch back to low beams when you spot headlights in the distance. Never use high beams in rain or snow as the glare makes visibility worse—just turn on fog lights with hazard lights for safety. When parked and waiting, a small parking light is enough to signal your position; keeping headlights on might attract police attention. Wipe dirty lamp covers with a damp cloth whenever possible—it can boost brightness by 30%. Replace yellowed bulbs immediately; the 20-30 yuan cost isn’t worth skimping on. Using lights correctly makes nighttime driving at least twice as safe.
Night driving requires careful attention to lighting. Using low beams is the most basic rule. On roads with streetlights, there's no need to use high beams as it can impair others' vision. On highways or poorly lit rural roads, high beams can be used to widen your field of view, but you must switch back to low beams when oncoming traffic is within 500 meters. In foggy conditions, use fog lights along with width markers, and avoid high beams as they can cause more harm than good. Turning on your indicators before making a turn enhances safety. When parked, position lights are sufficient. Dirty lights can reduce brightness, so I clean them weekly and check bulbs and wiring monthly to maintain optimal lighting conditions.
