What lights should be used when driving on the highway at night?
3 Answers
When driving on the highway at night, high beams should be used. Below is a partial introduction about using high beams on highways at night: Reason for use: Because of the high speed, better visibility is needed. High beams can better illuminate the distance ahead. If there are any abnormal road conditions, quick judgment can be made. If low beams are used instead, it may be too late to react, which can easily lead to accidents. Safety: Using high beams on highways is very safe. Since highways are mostly closed roads, using high beams in such conditions will not dazzle oncoming drivers. On the contrary, it provides excellent safety protection.
When driving on highways at night, I always make sure to turn on the low beams—it's an ironclad rule from my over 20 years of driving experience. I only briefly switch to high beams on empty stretches with very few vehicles ahead, just to scan for road anomalies or signs, but immediately revert to low beams when any oncoming traffic appears to avoid causing severe glare. On highways, speeds are high and judging distances is inherently challenging; reckless use of high beams can momentarily blind other drivers, leading to accidents. Last winter during a night drive, I witnessed a rear-end collision caused precisely by a trailing car's high beams making the leading car misjudge the distance. Checking your lights is also crucial—I habitually inspect my taillights and running lights before heading out to ensure clear signaling. If you're tired while driving, pull over at a service area for a break—don't push through fatigue.
I usually rely on low beams as the main lighting for nighttime highway driving, occasionally switching to high beams only when there are no vehicles ahead or oncoming traffic to expand visibility, but never keeping them on for more than half a minute before switching back. Modern cars with automatic high beam assist systems are quite useful—they actively sense surrounding vehicles and adjust automatically, making driving both effortless and safer. Maintaining a speed around 100 km/h is sufficient, as long as the lighting doesn't flicker. Regular tire wear checks are also crucial, as insufficient grip can be even more dangerous at night. Keep some snacks and water in the car to avoid fatigue during nighttime driving. Lighting isn't a trivial matter—safety details are vital for the entire family's journey.
