Why should low beam headlights be used when driving straight through an intersection at night?
3 Answers
When passing through an intersection with traffic lights at night, low beam headlights should be used. If the intersection does not have traffic lights, the headlights should be alternately switched between high and low beams as you approach the intersection to alert vehicles and pedestrians in the perpendicular direction. Additionally, the vehicle speed should be reduced when nearing the intersection to prevent sudden situations and allow sufficient time to react. Extended information: Use of lights at night: 1. When driving on well-lit roads, low beam headlights should be used; following another vehicle also requires the use of low beam headlights to facilitate the vehicle ahead in observing the situation behind through the rearview mirror. When meeting an oncoming vehicle at a distance of 150 meters, the high beam headlights should also be switched to low beam. 2. When driving at night through slopes, arched bridges, pedestrian crossings, sharp curves, slopes, or when overtaking vehicles ahead, the headlights should be alternately switched between high and low beams to alert other vehicles that your vehicle is preparing to pass through the road.
I remember one winter night a few years ago, driving straight through an urban intersection. It was pitch dark, and I turned on the high beams to see better. Suddenly, an oncoming car appeared with blinding headlights, instantly obscuring my vision—I almost hit a pedestrian standing by the roadside. That was the first time I truly grasped the profound meaning of using low beams at intersections: intense light can dazzle oncoming drivers, temporarily blinding them and increasing collision risks. Meanwhile, intersections are crowded with pedestrians, cyclists, and unpredictable movements. Low beams provide gentler illumination, lighting the way ahead without disrupting others' visibility, ensuring everyone passes safely. Traffic rules set this standard entirely for life-and-death stakes. Since then, I always proactively switch my lights and remind others to do the same. Night driving hinges on details—don’t prioritize momentary brightness over consequences.
When I first learned to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the importance of using low beams at intersections at night. Initially, I didn’t take it seriously, thinking that high beams were brighter and provided better visibility. However, during one practice session, I was driving straight through an intersection with high beams on and nearly hit a cyclist crossing the road. The cyclist stopped because my bright lights blinded them, narrowly avoiding a collision. The instructor explained that at intersections, where lines of sight intersect, strong lights not only dazzle oncoming vehicles but also impair pedestrians’ judgment, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Switching to low beams provides moderate illumination, reduces glare, and ensures everyone can see the road conditions clearly. This isn’t just a rule—it’s a reflection of courtesy and responsibility. Since I started driving on my own, I’ve always remembered this lesson when passing through intersections at night. Safety should always come first. Never underestimate the power of your headlights; they directly affect your reaction time and others’ safety.
