What lights to use when passing through an intersection at night?
2 Answers
When passing through an uncontrolled intersection at night, slow down in advance and alternately use high and low beams to signal, paying close attention to the traffic ahead. When going straight through an intersection, use low beams; when turning left, turning right, or making a U-turn at an intersection, use turn signals and low beams. Here are the correct ways to use vehicle lights: When driving on poorly lit roads: On roads with no street lighting or poor lighting, high beams can be used. However, when meeting other vehicles or pedestrians, switch to low beams to avoid glare. When needing to read road signs: When unfamiliar with the road conditions and needing to read road signs, high beams can be used, but should be quickly switched back to low beams. When overtaking: The left turn signal should be activated in advance, and high and low beams should be alternated or the horn should be sounded to alert the vehicle ahead to yield. When passing through corners, curves, or signal-less intersections: Alternate between high and low beams as a warning. When entering a tunnel: Turn on high beams, and switch to low beams in advance when meeting other vehicles. In urban areas with street lighting at night: Low beams must be used. When driving in areas without street lighting at night: When driving in areas without street lighting at night, or during dusk when it's getting dark or dawn when light is just appearing, low beams must be turned on. When visibility is obstructed: In heavy fog, snow, or rain when visibility is obstructed, low beams must be turned on even during the day.
I'm an experienced driver. When driving through intersections at night, I always use low beams. With so many pedestrians and vehicles at intersections, high beams are too dazzling and can easily blind oncoming drivers. At best, you'll get cursed at; at worst, it could cause an accident. I remember that time at a crossroads when I forgot to turn off my high beams. The oncoming car was so blinded it kept flashing its headlights and almost hit the median barrier, which gave me a real scare. Since then, I've developed the habit of switching to low beams 50 meters before reaching an intersection, while also slowing down to watch for pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road. Traffic regulations require this too – low beams are sufficient in urban areas with streetlights. Although you can temporarily switch to high beams on dark rural roads to see farther, you must switch back after passing the intersection. I also regularly check my headlight brightness to avoid poor visibility due to aging bulbs. Safe driving is what really matters.