What Lights to Use in Highway Tunnels?
2 Answers
On highways, you should use low beam lights when entering a tunnel. If there is no lighting in the tunnel, alternately use high and low beam lights to signal. Do not use high beam lights: Most tunnels nowadays are equipped with lighting, though not very bright. Low beam lights are sufficient for safe driving. Never use high beam lights because tunnels are inherently narrow, and oncoming traffic can be stressful. High beams can instantly blind drivers of oncoming vehicles in this confined space. If an accident occurs in such a small area, it could potentially disrupt the entire tunnel traffic. Be mindful of light differences: When entering a tunnel, the surrounding space darkens, causing your pupils to contract to adapt to the dark environment. After driving in the tunnel for a long time, as you approach the exit, you may encounter a bright white light that temporarily blinds you. Stay calm and continue driving normally during this adjustment period. Do not speed: Tunnel entrances typically have speed limits. Even if there are no other vehicles to interfere with your driving, do not exceed the speed limit inside the tunnel. Different tunnel environments have specific speed limits for good reasons, so speeding could lead to immeasurable consequences.
When driving into a tunnel on the highway, you must immediately turn on your headlights. The lighting changes rapidly inside tunnels, and if you don't turn on your lights when transitioning from bright to dark, your vision can suddenly become blurry, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or hitting the wall. My experience is to turn on the lights several dozen meters in advance to help your eyes adjust to the environment. Never use high beams, as they can reflect off the windshields of oncoming vehicles, causing severe glare and increasing the risk of accidents. Also, don't rush to turn off your lights after exiting the tunnel; wait until your vision stabilizes. Make it a habit to keep your lights on while driving on the highway—this not only enhances your own safety but also makes you more visible to other drivers earlier. Regularly check your headlight bulbs and wiring to ensure they are always functioning properly. These small details, when accumulated, can significantly reduce driving hazards.
