What lights should be turned on before entering a tunnel?

[OBeckett]

Before entering a tunnel, you should turn on the headlights (i.e., low beams, which will illuminate the front low beams and width indicators, while the rear brake lights will also activate). The purpose of low beams is to provide close-range illumination, designed with a wide coverage angle (160°) and a short illumination distance of approximately 30-40 meters. Precautions for driving in tunnels are as follows: 1. Reduce speed and turn on lights before entering the tunnel: If driving during the day, the light will suddenly dim upon entering the tunnel, often causing the human eye to take a short time to adjust. Therefore, you should reduce speed, increase the following distance, and turn on the headlights before entering the tunnel, maintaining a relatively slower speed to enter safely. 2. Do not use high beams: Using high beams for extended periods at night can affect oncoming and preceding vehicles, as high beams can cause temporary blindness to drivers. 3. Strictly avoid speeding: Tunnels usually have strict speed limits, with speed limit signs prominently displayed before entering. Some tunnels also have speed limit reminders inside.

[Piper]

Every time I drive into a tunnel, I turn on the low beams in advance because the difference in light inside and outside the tunnel is too great, and a momentary lapse could blur my vision. That time I was on a road trip, entering a long tunnel on the highway. At first, I didn’t turn on the lights, and the sudden darkness made it hard to see the brake lights of the car ahead, almost causing a rear-end collision. Luckily, I reacted quickly. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to check the lights and switch to low beam mode a few hundred meters before the tunnel entrance. This way, it illuminates the road without blinding oncoming traffic, greatly enhancing safety. If your car has an automatic headlight system, don’t rely on it too much—the strong light at tunnel entrances can sometimes trick the sensors, so manual operation is the safest. During regular maintenance, take the opportunity to check the bulbs and wiring to avoid sudden light failure that could lead to danger. Driving is all about the details—safety first!

[StBriella]

As a new driver who just got my license, I feel particularly nervous about turning on lights in tunnels. My instructor taught me that I must switch on the low beams before entering a tunnel. This helps me see road signs and vehicle outlines clearly in dim conditions and prevents others from rear-ending my car. I remember during my first practice, I fumbled clumsily with the light switches, but gradually became more proficient. The low beams provide soft and even illumination, unlike high beams that create glaring reflections on tunnel walls. For vehicles with automatic headlights, they're quite convenient, but my instructor mentioned that light variations at tunnel entrances may cause delayed system response, so manual activation is more reliable. Now I've developed a habit of checking the light switches before driving to ensure everything's in order. This simple step not only complies with traffic regulations but also protects lives—never skip this small yet crucial action.

[VanGavin]

Having driven for decades, turning on low beams before entering a tunnel is a fundamental rule. Sudden dimming of light can easily cause accidents, while low beams illuminate the road conditions safely. The operation is simple: switch to low beam position a few seconds in advance and avoid touching the high beam button. The strong reflection in tunnels makes high beams counterproductive. Developing this habit requires little effort.