What lights to use when driving straight through an intersection at night?
2 Answers
When driving straight through an intersection at night, vehicles should alternately switch between high and low beams. Motor vehicles passing sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic signal control at night must alternately use high and low beams as a signal. When driving at night with no street lights, poor illumination, or in low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, vehicles should turn on headlights, position lights, and rear lights, but must not use high beams when following another vehicle. During foggy conditions, motor vehicles must turn on fog lights and hazard warning flashers. The fog light control lever is typically located below the left side of the steering wheel, with a length comparable to the steering wheel's radius for easy operation while holding the wheel. It controls the switching between high and low beams, left and right turn signals, light activation, and the turning on/off of front and rear fog lights.
I usually drive to and from work, often passing through intersections at night. I remember when I was just learning to drive, the instructor emphasized that when driving straight through an intersection at night, you must use low beams. Otherwise, you might dazzle the drivers of oncoming or adjacent vehicles, which is extremely dangerous. Once, I forgot to turn off my high beams and was flashed by an oncoming car, which scared me into a cold sweat! Since then, I always check if my lights are on low beam when approaching an intersection. Intersections usually have poor lighting, and pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles can appear at any time. Low beams safely illuminate the road ahead for several dozen meters without affecting others. It's a good habit to develop: turn on low beams before driving, and don't let lighting issues lead to disasters. The key to safe driving is anticipation and prevention. Regularly cleaning the headlight covers is also important, as accumulated dust can weaken the light and affect nighttime visibility.
