What lights to use when crossing an arch bridge at night?
4 Answers
According to the regulations for the implementation of road traffic safety, when a motor vehicle passes through sharp curves, slopes, arch bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic signal control at night, it should alternately use high and low beams twice as a signal. The following is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. Horn signal: When a motor vehicle approaches sections that affect safe sight distance, such as sharp curves or the top of slopes, or when overtaking or encountering emergencies, it should slow down and sound the horn as a signal. 2. Driving at night: The main impact of driving at night is poor visibility, so lights must be used when driving at night, and there are many considerations for the use of lights at night. Generally, low beams are sufficient for driving at night. Turn signals must be used when turning. If encountering a road with poor lighting or no lighting facilities ahead, high beams should be used. When meeting another vehicle, if low beams were already in use, no adjustment is needed; if high beams were in use, they should be switched to low beams in advance.
When driving over an arched bridge at night, I strongly recommend using low beams. Arched bridges typically feature an overhead curved structure where the area beneath the bridge becomes noticeably darker. If high beams are used, the light beams shoot directly upward or forward, easily causing glare to other drivers on the bridge, temporarily blinding them and increasing collision risks. I often encounter this situation while driving—before entering an arched bridge, I slow down and check my light settings to switch to low beam mode. Low beams project light downward, illuminating only the nearby road surface without disturbing others' vision. If the area under the bridge is exceptionally dark, briefly switching to high beams for a quick safety scan is acceptable, but they should be turned off immediately to avoid hazards. Following traffic rules is crucial, as many regions explicitly prohibit high beams in enclosed spaces with vehicles or pedestrians. Developing this habit ensures smoother and safer nighttime driving while protecting everyone.
Having driven for many years, I've gained some practical experience: using low beams is the most reliable way to navigate arched bridges at night. The unique design of arched bridges, with their curved structures, means that high beams can easily reflect or scatter light elsewhere, making it harder to see the road. I remember once when I was helping a friend drive, he didn't switch off his high beams while crossing a highway arched bridge, and the reflected light from the bridge nearly caused trouble for oncoming traffic. Since then, I've made it a habit to manually switch to low beams before entering or exiting a bridge. Even in dimly lit areas, there's no need to panic—driving slowly with low beams is sufficient. My advice is to turn off high beams when there's a sudden change in light at the bridge entrance, prioritizing a clear and safe view of the road. These small driving techniques in daily life can save a lot of hassle and showcase the wisdom of an experienced driver.
From the perspective of headlight technology, low beams should be used when driving over an arched bridge at night. Vehicle headlights are divided into two types: high beams and low beams. High beams project parallel light over long distances, but in semi-open spaces like arched bridges, they scatter upward, easily causing glare to targets on the bridge such as vehicles or cameras, which can interfere with others' vision. Low beams scatter light downward, illuminating only a range of about ten meters, providing basic lighting without causing trouble. The operation is simple: just switch easily with the button next to the steering wheel. The lighting conditions on bridges change quickly, so it's advisable to check your light settings before entering dark areas. If necessary, briefly use high beams to scan the area but immediately switch back to low beams. Managing your lights based on these physical principles can make driving more efficient and safer.
