What lights to use when passing through an intersection at night?
5 Answers
When passing through an intersection at night, use low beam headlights. If passing through an uncontrolled intersection without traffic signals, you should slow down and alternately flash your high and low beams as a signal. When driving on well-lit roads: When driving on well-lit roads, you should use low beam headlights. Additionally, when following another vehicle, use low beams to allow the preceding vehicle to observe the rear through its mirrors. When meeting an oncoming vehicle within 150 meters, switch from high beams to low beams. When driving under poor lighting conditions: If driving at night on roads without streetlights, under poor lighting, or in extreme conditions such as fog, sandstorms, rain, or snow with low visibility, and when not following another vehicle, you should turn on high beams and fog lights. If following another vehicle, use low beams.
When driving through an intersection at night, we need to flash the high and low beams alternately a few times. I have a deep understanding of this when driving long distances at night, because intersections often have blind spots, and motorcycles or pedestrians may suddenly dart out, which is very dangerous. Using only low beams doesn't illuminate far enough, and oncoming vehicles might not notice you; using high beams continuously can blind others. Switching the lights a few times is like saying hello, making everyone around aware that a car is approaching. Remember to start flashing about 50 meters before entering the intersection, and three or four flashes are enough. If the intersection has traffic lights, flashing isn't necessary, but for those small intersections without signals, you must flash—it's a must-pass item in the driving test's third subject.
The key to using lights at night intersections is to employ a combination of light signals. I start alternating between high and low beams about 100 meters from the intersection, flashing two to three times each. This approach has two benefits: it makes oncoming vehicles aware of your position to avoid head-on collisions, and it allows vehicles preparing to turn at the right intersection to gauge the distance. Once, at an unlit rural intersection, I encountered a tractor without lights, and it was only through flashing my lights that I managed to stop in time. Remember, never just keep your high beams on continuously. The new traffic regulations impose strict penalties for misuse of high beams, including fines and penalty points if caught on camera.
At night, rely on light changes to draw attention at intersections. I'm used to holding the steering wheel with my left hand and quickly flicking the light stalk three or four times with my right hand, making the high and low beams alternate flashes like Morse code. This flashing is particularly eye-catching in the dark and works better than honking. Timing is crucial—don't wait until you're in the intersection to flash; starting about 200 meters in advance is safest. If it's an intersection near a school zone, it's best to flash a few more times, as children might suddenly run across the crosswalk. Keep your speed below 40 km/h when flashing lights to allow ample reaction time.
Based on years of driving experience, the safest practice at night intersections is to quickly switch between high and low beams. Each flash should be about half a second apart, which won't discomfort oncoming drivers while clearly conveying your position. Key reminder: Flash your lights even earlier at turning intersections, especially when making right turns, as low beams may not illuminate cross traffic. If you notice a vehicle in the opposite lane also flashing lights, it means they've spotted you too—both parties should reduce speed immediately. While many modern cars have automatic headlights, manual switching offers more flexible and reliable control.
