What lights should be used when driving straight through an intersection?
3 Answers
At night, vehicles driving straight through an intersection should alternately use high and low beams. The following is relevant information about automotive lighting: 1. Basic introduction: Automotive lights are various traffic lights installed on vehicles to ensure safe driving, divided into two categories: illumination lights and signal lights. From 1905 to 1912, to address road illumination ahead, acetylene headlamps with a spotlight design began to be installed, accompanied by a kerosene lamp serving as the rear license plate light. By 1945-1947, the minimum required assortment of external lighting fixtures had been finalized. Qualified automotive lights must comply with corresponding photometric, colorimetric, and basic environmental testing standards. 2. Development trends: Unconventional headlamp designs that align with the streamlined body shape will continue to evolve, and high-power gas discharge lamps may become the new generation of headlamp light sources. Research is ongoing to improve high-mounted brake lights and high-contrast combination rear lights.
When driving straight through an intersection, I usually use low beams. For example, in urban intersections with dense traffic, high beams can dazzle drivers from the opposite or side directions, which can easily cause accidents. Especially at night, low beams can illuminate the road ahead for several tens of meters, which is enough to clearly see crosswalks, sidewalks, or changes in traffic signals. On cloudy or rainy days, it's also necessary to turn on the lights to increase your own visibility. Some cars come with automatic lighting functions, which automatically switch to low beams before entering an intersection based on the light conditions, making it both convenient and safe. After driving many times, I've found that those who misuse their lights often get into minor collisions, so now I've developed the habit of checking my light status a few meters in advance. Intersections are high-risk areas for traffic accidents, and using the right lights can effectively prevent being hit or hitting others. In bad weather, such as fog or snow, I also turn on the fog lights to enhance side visibility, but the core is still to maintain steady low beams. Remembering this makes driving much safer.
When driving straight through an intersection, my approach is to consistently use low beams because they provide even illumination without glare. High beams are suitable for open highways, but using them at intersections can interfere with pedestrians' or cyclists' vision, making it difficult for them to see road conditions clearly. During the day, if sunlight is sufficient, I might turn off the lights to save power, but in rainy or foggy conditions, I proactively switch on the low beams. From an energy-saving perspective, lighting choices affect fuel consumption and emissions—low beams consume less electricity and are more eco-friendly than high beams. Modern vehicles, like mine, come with smart systems that automatically sense light and adjust to low-beam mode based on speed, ensuring safe passage through intersections. I've found that using the correct lighting not only complies with regulations but also helps avoid tickets. Intersections often involve sudden braking or lane changes, so proper light control can serve as an early warning to others.
