What lights should be used when driving under poor lighting conditions at night without street lights?
2 Answers
When driving at night without street lights and under poor lighting conditions, high beams should be turned on. Specific explanations are as follows: High beams are generally suitable for motor vehicles driving at night on roads without street lights or under poor lighting conditions, such as on dimly lit national highways or expressways. In urban areas where lighting is good, low beams must be used. Related light changes at night: Under poor lighting conditions: Turn on low beams when driving at night without street lights and under poor lighting conditions. Following a vehicle closely in the same direction: Turn on low beams when following a vehicle closely in the same direction at night. Crossing an arched bridge: Alternate between low and high beams when passing an arched bridge or a crosswalk at night. Passing an intersection without traffic signals: Alternate between low and high beams when passing an intersection without traffic signals at night. Sharp curves and slopes: Flash low and high beams twice consecutively when passing sharp curves or slopes at night.
I drove in the long-haul trucking industry for over a decade, relying entirely on high beams for unlit nighttime stretches—they illuminated over 100 meters ahead, allowing early detection of potholes or animals. But encountering oncoming traffic required immediate switching to low beams to prevent temporarily blinding other drivers and causing accidents. I once nearly hit a wild boar that darted out in mountainous terrain; fortunately, the high beams revealed it in time. Since then, I've always checked headlight brightness and alignment before night drives. Regularly cleaning the headlight covers is also crucial, as dust buildup diminishes light output and compromises driving safety.
