What lights to use when passing through an intersection ahead?
4 Answers
When driving straight through an intersection with traffic signals ahead, simply use the low beam. If passing through an intersection without traffic signals, you should alternately switch between high and low beams more than twice, slow down in advance, and use the alternating high and low beams to signal while closely monitoring the traffic conditions ahead. Here are the specific details: When overtaking: When overtaking at night, turn on the turn signal in advance and observe the vehicles behind. If the following vehicle is too close, it is not advisable to signal and overtake, as this may easily catch the following vehicle off guard. When changing lanes: To prevent the vehicle ahead from changing lanes during overtaking, it is essential to alert the other driver by honking or quickly switching between high and low beams. Observe the vehicle ahead; if there is no intention to change lanes, you can then accelerate to overtake. If the vehicle ahead turns on the left turn signal, it indicates an emergency situation ahead, making it an unsuitable time to overtake, as the vehicle also needs to change lanes.
When approaching an intersection while driving, it's essential to immediately switch to low beams. Although high beams can illuminate more in dark areas, intersections with dense traffic make them a nuisance, as they can easily dazzle oncoming drivers or pedestrians, potentially causing accidents. I remember last time at a city intersection, an oncoming car had its high beams on, creating a blinding white glare that nearly caused me to rear-end another vehicle. Make it a habit: slow down in advance and dim your lights. This not only protects yourself but also respects others' safety. By the way, daytime running lights are usually sufficient, but during dusk or worsening weather conditions, always proactively turn on your low beams. Don't rely solely on automatic systems—manual operation is more reliable. In short, safe driving starts with the details. Check your light status before entering every intersection, and don't let small oversights lead to major disasters.
As someone who frequently drives on the road, I place extra importance on headlight selection at intersections. Low beams are the only sensible choice because they disperse light without causing glare, avoiding distractions from sudden situations at crossings. High beams here are practically a hazard, especially at night or in low visibility, potentially blinding oncoming drivers momentarily. I recommend adjusting your lights before entering intersections in accordance with urban driving rules, maintaining a calm mindset. Relatedly, vehicle maintenance shouldn't be neglected—regularly check bulbs and wiring to ensure faults don't compromise visibility. If you're a new driver, practice this scenario more to develop instinctive reactions. Safety comes first—this is a lesson learned through hard experience. Every risk avoided means an extra measure of safety.
Let me briefly explain: You should use low beams when crossing intersections. Avoid using high beams as they can dazzle oncoming drivers and increase the risk of collisions. Daytime running lights might suffice during the day, but low beams are a must at night or in rainy conditions. Be aware that regulations may vary in different regions, but the general rule is to ensure you're clearly visible. Maintain a reasonable speed and adjust your lights according to road conditions.
