What lights should be used when driving at night with streetlights?
3 Answers
When driving at night under well-lit streetlight conditions, use low beam headlights. All vehicle lights are powered by the battery, which converts gasoline into electricity. Inefficient use of lights wastes gasoline, wears out bulbs, and damages lamp housings. Bulbs are consumable parts, so spare parts should be kept for timely replacement. Classification and usage of vehicle lights: Night driving lights, commonly known as "headlights." Headlights have two modes: high beam and low beam. Use low beam on urban roads with streetlights, and high beam on roads without streetlights or highways. When approaching intersections or overtaking, alternate between high and low beams to signal. Night width-indicator lights, commonly known as "parking lights." These are used to display the vehicle's width and length at night, alerting other drivers and pedestrians. When visibility through the rearview mirror is poor, including during rain, these lights should be turned on. Turn signals. These should be activated about 100 meters before a turn. Turning them on too late may catch following or oncoming vehicles and pedestrians off guard, leading to mistakes. When waiting in line at a traffic light to turn, unless you are first in line, there is no need to keep the signal flashing continuously. Wait until the vehicle starts moving to turn, otherwise it wastes battery and annoys following drivers. Brake lights. These inform following vehicles to slow down or stop. Malfunctioning brake lights can easily cause rear-end collisions. The dual-filament bulbs in brake lights are much more powerful than regular bulbs and generate significant heat. Keeping the brake pedal depressed for extended periods will keep the brake lights on, reducing their lifespan and wasting electricity. Fog lights. These help improve visibility in foggy conditions and alert oncoming vehicles to take precautions for safe passing. Therefore, fog lights must be used in foggy weather and should not be replaced with parking lights. Fog lights typically have a power rating of 55W per bulb, similar to headlights, but with much less heat dissipation space. Always turn them off immediately after parking to prevent overheating and damaging the lamp housing.
When driving at night with streetlights, I usually only use low beams because the streetlights already illuminate the road conditions. Using low beams ensures clear visibility for myself without dazzling oncoming drivers. Once when returning late in the city with bright streetlights, I consistently kept my low beams on, avoiding unnecessary risks. Using high beams under streetlights is not only redundant but also prone to causing glare accidents, endangering public safety. Now it has become a habit—I adjust the lights as soon as I get in the car to ensure the correct settings. Additionally, I observe the intensity of the streetlights; if the lighting is bright, I can see clearly without headlights, but when the lighting is dim, I promptly turn on the low beams for assistance. In short, safe driving starts with details—don’t overlook the importance of adjusting your lights.
When driving at night in well-lit areas, I make it a habit to use low beams to avoid unnecessary trouble caused by high beams. High beams are too bright and can cause temporary blindness for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. I always prioritize safety while driving—when streetlights are sufficient, low beams provide adequate visibility and also save vehicle energy. I remember during driver's training, the instructor repeatedly emphasized this rule, and now I automatically check my lights every time I drive at night. Additionally, in different scenarios, such as on roads with uneven lighting, I operate cautiously and switch between lights flexibly. Developing such good habits can reduce the risk of accidents and protect both myself and others.
