When driving at night, you should:
Always use your high beams.
Look directly at the headlights of an oncoming vehicle.
Increase your following distance.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Increase your following distance.
Explanation:
Driving at night presents unique challenges due to reduced visibility and the potential for fatigue, which can impair reaction times and judgment. One important safety practice is to increase your following distance when driving at night. This practice provides several benefits:
- Improved Visibility: At night, your headlights illuminate only a limited area in front of you, usually about 100 to 150 feet ahead. By increasing your following distance, you allow yourself more time to see potential hazards and obstacles on the road. This extra distance ensures you can react more promptly if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down.
- Reduced Glare and Distraction: If you drive too closely behind another vehicle, the bright lights of their tail lights can cause glare, making it difficult to see the road clearly. This effect is more pronounced at night, and maintaining a safe distance helps minimize glare and keeps your focus on the road ahead.
- Improved Reaction Time: Night driving can slow down your reflexes due to darkness and tiredness. Having extra space between your car and the one in front ensures that you have sufficient time to react if there is an emergency situation or sudden braking.
Why Not Use High Beams Always?
High beams should only be used when there is no oncoming traffic and no vehicles in front of you. Using high beams inappropriately can cause temporary blindness to other drivers and create dangerous situations. Always dim your headlights when approaching or being approached by another vehicle.
Why Not Look Directly at Oncoming Headlights?
Staring directly at oncoming headlights can impair your night vision and make it harder to see the road and surroundings. It’s best to focus your gaze slightly to the right side of the road, which can help maintain better visibility and reduce the glare from headlights.
Overall, increasing your following distance when driving at night enhances safety by providing more reaction time, reducing glare, and ensuring better overall visibility on the road.