If an approaching driver is using their high beam headlights, you should:
Answers
Look directly at the headlights.
Flash your high beam lights to remind the driver to switch to their low beams.
Look to the right side of your lane until the vehicle has passed.
Pull to the side of the road until the vehicle has passed.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
Look to the right side of your lane until the vehicle has passed.
Explanation:
When driving at night, oncoming vehicles with high beam headlights can be blinding and make it difficult to see the road ahead. High beams are designed to illuminate a greater distance, but they can cause glare if directed at another driver’s eyes. This is particularly dangerous because it reduces the visibility of the road and any potential hazards. Here’s why the other options aren’t the best choice:
- Look directly at the headlights: This is the least safe option. Looking directly at oncoming high beams will further impair your vision, as the intense light will flood your eyes, causing temporary blindness and making it harder to see the road. This increases the risk of an accident or losing control of your vehicle.
- Flash your high beam lights to remind the driver to switch to their low beams: While this is a common practice, it’s not always the best solution in situations where the other driver may not respond immediately or may be unaware of the effect their headlights are having on you. Flashing high beams can also confuse other drivers, especially if they are already in an area with little traffic or if the road is winding, where they might need high beams to see more clearly.
- Pull to the side of the road until the vehicle has passed: While pulling over might seem like a good idea to avoid the glare, it’s not necessary unless you’re in an unsafe situation (such as a narrow road or when visibility is severely compromised). It also poses a risk of stopping in the wrong place, especially if the road is poorly lit or there are other vehicles behind you.
The best course of action is to look to the right side of your lane. By doing so, you are redirecting your focus away from the oncoming headlights and towards the edge of the road. This allows your eyes to adjust to the lower light levels on the side of the road, ensuring you can still maintain control of your vehicle and be aware of any obstacles. Once the vehicle has passed, you can return your focus to the center of the road. This technique helps reduce the temporary blindness caused by the high beams and improves safety for both you and other drivers on the road.