Which of the following describes the correct approach to safe night driving?

• A. Use high-beam headlights at all times.
• B. Use appropriate lighting, reduce speed, maintain longer following distances, and minimize glare by adjusting vision.
• C. Drive at the same speed as daytime.
• D. Avoid using headlights.

Answer: (B)

Night driving brings reduced visibility and more glare, so the safest approach combines how you see with how you react. Use appropriate lighting to be seen and to see the road: keep your headlights on and use the correct setting for the situation—low beams when other vehicles are nearby or in traffic, and only switch to high beams on dark, empty stretches where you won’t blind anyone. Slow down to give yourself more time to react to hazards that are harder to spot at night, and increase the following distance so you have extra stopping space in case something appears suddenly. Minimize glare by how you view the road: don’t stare directly at oncoming headlights, instead scan with a wide, slow gaze and focus toward the right edge of the lane to guide your path, while keeping interior lights dim to reduce reflections. Also ensure the windshield and mirrors are clean for best visibility.

Using high beams all the time creates dangerous glare for others; driving at the same speed as daytime ignores the reduced visibility at night; and avoiding headlights altogether eliminates essential visibility and visibility to others.