What lights to use when navigating sharp bends?
3 Answers
Use low beam headlights when navigating sharp bends. The reasons are as follows: Reason 1: During nighttime driving, visibility is poor, making it difficult to see the road ahead clearly. Therefore, it is essential to use low beams when turning at night. Reason 2: When passing through sharp bends or slopes at night, it is necessary to alternately switch between high and low beam headlights. Information about low beam headlights is as follows: Low beam headlights: Designed for close-range illumination, their primary design requirement is a wide coverage angle (160 degrees) with a short projection distance, and the focus cannot be adjusted. Projection distance: Although low beams typically illuminate about 30-40 meters ahead, they feature a very distinct cutoff line between light and dark areas.
As a seasoned driver with over twenty years of experience, I always switch to low beams when approaching sharp turns. The low beams precisely illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic, especially during nighttime or rainy conditions when visibility is already poor. High beams, on the other hand, can create glare hazards and increase risks. I remember once driving on a mountain road and entering a curve without adjusting my lights—I nearly collided with an oncoming truck. Later, I checked the traffic laws and learned that this is standard practice; almost all regions require high beams to be turned off in curves. Now, it's become a habit to confirm the light switch is set to low beam mode before turning, combined with slowing down and focused driving. This simple yet effective technique has helped me avoid many close calls, and I recommend everyone develop a similar habit—safety should always come first. Also, don’t forget to regularly check your car’s bulbs and fuses, replacing them promptly if they fail to ensure your lights work when you need them most.
When I first started learning to drive, I was particularly nervous about sharp turns. My instructor taught me that I must switch to low beams to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and to clearly see my own turning path. Now, every time I approach a sharp turn, I turn off the high beams or confirm the low beam mode two or three seconds in advance, and conveniently use the turn signal to indicate direction. At first, it felt troublesome, but practice has proven that driving this way is much more stable, with clear visibility and a better mood. An additional tip is to pay more attention to switching lights on unfamiliar roads or in bad weather, as low visibility increases the risk of accidents. In daily driving, keep the vehicle's headlights clean and free from dirt to ensure unobstructed light, enhancing safety during night turns. In short, as a lesson learned from my experience as a beginner, remembering this rule can help avoid detours and ensure safety.
