What Lights to Use When Driving at Poorly Lit Intersections?
2 Answers
When driving on roads with poor lighting, drivers should turn on the high beam headlights. However, when an oncoming vehicle approaches, the high beams should be switched off in advance, and the low beam headlights should be turned on instead. Precautions for using high beams: High beam headlights are generally suitable for motor vehicles driving at night on roads without streetlights or with poor lighting, such as on dimly lit national highways or expressways. In urban areas where lighting is adequate, low beam headlights should be used. Relevant regulations: The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates the use of lights for nighttime driving. When meeting another vehicle on a road without a central divider or centerline, high beams must not be used within 150 meters of the oncoming vehicle. Additionally, when driving at night without streetlights, under poor lighting conditions, or in low visibility situations such as fog, rain, snow, or dust, high beams must not be used when a following vehicle is driving closely behind the vehicle in front in the same direction.
When driving at poorly lit intersections, I'm accustomed to using low beams. With heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic and sparse streetlights, high beams can dazzle oncoming drivers and easily lead to major accidents—this aligns with my experience of nighttime city driving. Once, I forgot to switch and nearly sideswiped a left-turning car—it was truly frightening. Since then, I proactively switch to low beams before entering intersections and remind my friends to develop this habit. High beams are only suitable for open highways where visibility is unobstructed, but they're absolutely inappropriate at intersections. Regular checks of the lighting system are also crucial—replace aging bulbs promptly rather than regretting after an accident. Safe driving is no trivial matter; headlights are your eyes—they must be used correctly to truly protect yourself.
