What lights should be used when passing through narrow roads or bridges at night?
3 Answers
When encountering non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or bridges at night, please use low beam headlights. It is best to alternate between high and low beam headlights when driving at night. When meeting another vehicle at night, switch to low beam headlights when the oncoming vehicle is more than 150 meters away. When driving at night, especially on highways with poor lighting conditions or roads without any lighting equipment, it is necessary to control the speed reasonably and use high beam headlights for illumination. However, when meeting vehicles from the opposite lane, switch to low beam headlights approximately 150 meters in advance to avoid obstructing the vision of the other driver. When driving on well-lit roads, low beam headlights should be used. Additionally, when following another vehicle, low beam headlights should also be used to allow the vehicle ahead to observe the situation behind through the rearview mirror. If the distance to an oncoming vehicle is less than 150 meters when meeting, switch from high beam to low beam headlights.
I've been driving at night for decades, and navigating those narrow roads and bridges is a common occurrence. Using low beams is the way to go because they allow oncoming vehicles to see your position clearly, avoiding side-swipes and preventing blinding the other driver. In tight spaces, strong light can easily startle the other party, leading to potential scrapes. I remember once on a rainy night crossing a small bridge, I didn't switch to low beams in time, and an oncoming truck nearly hit the guardrail. Since then, I've made it a habit to adjust my lights before entering narrow areas, sometimes adding fog lights for better visibility, but high beams are absolutely a no-go—reserved only for deserted open roads. With poor nighttime visibility, it's also wise not to drive too fast, staying alert and ready to brake or yield. Honestly, in such places, extra attention to slippery roads and shoulder width is crucial—safety first, after all.
I'm a new driver who just got my license, and I always feel a bit nervous when driving at night, especially on narrow roads or bridges. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that in such situations, I must use low beams and avoid high beams, as they can dazzle other drivers and easily lead to accidents. In narrow areas with limited visibility, overly bright lights when two cars approach each other can cause glare and lead to misjudgment of positions. I once tried using high beams on a narrow rural bridge, and the oncoming car noticeably slowed down and flashed its lights to remind me, which was quite scary. Now, I always adjust my lights in advance, check the position of the headlight switch, and ensure a safe passage. If the environment is particularly dark or foggy, I consider using front and rear fog lights for assistance, but only if it doesn't affect others. New drivers are advised to practice such scenarios more, control their speed at 30-40 km/h, and avoid distractions like using phones. Regularly maintain your car lights to avoid being unaware of burnt-out bulbs.
