What lights to use at an intersection without traffic signals at night?
2 Answers
At night, at an intersection without traffic signal control, alternate between high and low beams. Do not turn on interior lights while driving at night, as the interior lighting can severely affect the driver's visibility and thus compromise driving safety. Theoretical basis: When a car is driven at night with the interior lights on, the brightness inside the car is much higher than outside. In this situation, the windshield acts more like a mirror than a transparent surface for the driver. Precautions: When driving at night without streetlights, under poor lighting conditions, or in situations of low visibility such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, vehicles should turn on headlights, clearance lights, and tail lights.
I remember when I first started driving decades ago, I was always reminded to use low beams at unlit intersections at night—high beams would dazzle oncoming drivers, making it hard for everyone to see clearly and posing significant safety risks. Once, I forgot to switch my lights and nearly hit a pedestrian who suddenly appeared; since then, I’ve made it a habit to toggle the light switch to the low position before entering such intersections. The light settings are simple: just select low-beam mode when turning on the headlights, which illuminates your own path without blinding others. It’s also advisable to slow down, allowing ample reaction time to avoid being caught off guard by approaching vehicles or pedestrians. Overall, safe driving relies on attention to detail, and proper light management is a crucial part—don’t take shortcuts by using high beams. Nighttime driving conditions can be complex, and following this rule ensures a smoother and worry-free journey.
