What lights to use when passing through an intersection at night?
2 Answers
When passing through an intersection at night, you should use low beam headlights. Using high beams at intersections is unsafe. If there is an oncoming vehicle and a pedestrian crossing at the same time, the glare from both vehicles' high beams can temporarily blind drivers, making it difficult to spot pedestrians and potentially causing accidents. Therefore, low beams should be used. Situations requiring low beams: 1. Driving in unlit areas at night or during dusk/dawn when visibility is poor; 2. During heavy fog, snow, or rain that obstructs visibility - low beams are necessary even during daytime; 3. On roads with insufficient lighting despite having street lamps.
When driving through intersections at night, I always emphasize using low beams. As an experienced driver who frequently coaches beginners, I know that high beams are too bright and can easily blind pedestrians and other drivers, especially at intersections where paths cross. If your lights aren't set properly, others will flash theirs to alert you. Don't forget to use your turn signals to indicate direction changes, but just keep the low beams on when going straight through an intersection. I've seen too many accidents caused by lighting issues; once, a pedestrian was nearly hit due to misjudgment caused by high beams. Speed should also be kept within a reasonable range—slow down to ensure you can see surrounding movements clearly, especially when adjusting lights is even more critical in rain or fog. Lighting is the cornerstone of driving safety; forming good habits starting from small details can ensure safety.
