What Lights Should You Use When Driving on the Highway at Night?

[DeJessica]

When driving on the highway at night, you should use high beams. Even when encountering oncoming traffic, there's no need to worry excessively as the median barriers can block the light. However, it's important to use low beams and high beams appropriately when overtaking. During nighttime driving, whether on highways or regular roads, width indicator lights must be turned on. Before changing lanes on the highway at night, always use your turn signals and ensure it's safe to change lanes by checking for suitable conditions, preventing vehicles behind or in adjacent lanes from reacting too late. If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be moved or is parked on the emergency lane, always turn on the hazard warning lights. Especially when visibility is poor at night, it's advisable to park under streetlights to ensure your vehicle is well-lit and visible to alert approaching vehicles from behind.

[StColin]

When driving on the highway at night, I strongly recommend using only low beams instead of high beams, as high beams can dazzle drivers of oncoming and preceding vehicles, potentially leading to accidents. On highways where speeds are high, visibility is crucial. Low beams are sufficient to see road signs and vehicle outlines while also saving energy. With over 20 years of driving experience, I often see disputes or rear-end collisions caused by high beam usage. In foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions at high speeds, it's appropriate to use fog lights to improve ground visibility, but avoid using them unnecessarily as it shortens bulb lifespan. Most importantly, keep your headlights clean and regularly check for mud or fog on the lens that could obstruct light transmission. Before driving, quickly check your light settings to ensure the switches are in the correct position.

[VonJeremiah]

When driving on the highway at night, I prefer using low beams as they are both safe and practical. High beams are absolutely taboo on highways—they create intense glare that can momentarily blind others, which is extremely dangerous. Especially when speeds exceed 100 km/h, the light dispersion increases, and a momentary lapse in attention could lead to disaster. On long drives, I always remind myself to adjust the lights: after starting, confirm whether to switch back to low beams, and use the flashing function only briefly when necessary to alert the car ahead. In adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or thick fog, I immediately turn on the front and rear fog lights to enhance road visibility. When lighting is insufficient, I proactively reduce speed to maintain a safe distance, ensuring the dashcam captures clear footage.

[McRyder]

When I was young and driving on the highway at night, I always preferred using high beams, thinking they would help me see more. However, one time I almost rear-ended a car ahead, causing them to slam on the brakes. Now I understand that using low beams on the highway at night is the safer choice. They provide steady lighting that helps navigate road markings and maintain a safe distance, and they actually reduce driver fatigue. In special situations like construction zones or accident areas, I briefly flash my lights as a warning. Aging bulbs and wiring can also weaken the lights, so I make sure to regularly maintain my car and clean the dirt off the lamp covers. Driving on the highway is all about efficiency and safety.