What Lights to Use on Highways at Night?
3 Answers
When driving on highways at night, the use of lights should be determined based on different actual situations: 1. During normal driving, turn on the night lights and width indicator lights. If there are no vehicles ahead and no lighting, you can appropriately use the high beams to briefly observe the road and surrounding conditions at a farther distance, then quickly switch back to low beams. 2. When meeting another vehicle, alternate between high and low beams. If there is a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle, remember to switch from high beams to low beams. 3. When overtaking, switch from high beams to low beams in advance. If you intend to overtake, turn on the turn signal (left blinker) when you are 80 meters away from the vehicle ahead, and turn off the high beams. When you are 30-50 meters away from the vehicle to be overtaken, flash the high beams a few times to signal your intention to overtake. 4. In foggy conditions, if visibility is less than 200 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beams, clearance lights, and front and rear position lights. If visibility is less than 100 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beams, clearance lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers. If visibility is less than 50 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beams, clearance lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, and do not exceed 20 kilometers per hour. Exit the highway at the nearest exit as soon as possible.
I've driven countless night shifts, especially on highways, where light selection is directly related to safety. Generally, high beams are the most suitable—they illuminate far and wide, allowing early detection of road issues. But you must be vigilant: when you see a car ahead or an oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane, immediately switch to low beams to avoid disturbing others. In rainy or foggy conditions, turning on fog lights as an auxiliary can also help. On highways, speeds are high, and a lighting mistake can easily lead to an accident—once, I was lazy and didn’t switch my lights, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Remember, don’t rely on automatic lights to slack off; manual adjustment is more reliable. At high speeds, the difference in lighting effectiveness is significant. Using lights at night isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s also about making sure others see you, reducing the risk of accidents. In short, use high beams as the primary option, switch appropriately, and make it a habit—that’s what makes a seasoned driver.
I recently started practicing night driving on the highway, and my coach repeatedly emphasized the importance of using high beams. Since highways are dark, high beams can illuminate up to a hundred meters ahead, helping me spot distant road signs and obstacles. However, as soon as I notice taillights from other cars or oncoming headlights, I switch to low beams to avoid causing trouble. Beginners often overlook this: at high speeds, delayed reactions can lead to accidents. I also tried using fog lights as an auxiliary light, which proved useful during rainy or foggy conditions. Regularly checking for aging lights is crucial—replace them immediately if they fail. Driving isn’t just about watching the road; you also need to watch out for others. Using lights correctly makes nighttime highway driving steadier, and gradually, the nervousness fades. Remember, traffic regulations also stress these rules—don’t take them lightly.
