CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyHard
A commercial driver operating a combination vehicle is traveling on a highway at night. The driver notices the high beams of an oncoming vehicle are extremely bright and causing temporary blindness. What is the most effective defensive driving action to take?
- ALook directly at the oncoming headlights to ensure you stay in your lane.
- BFlash your high beams back at the oncoming driver.
- CSlow down, look to the right edge of your lane, and prepare to stop if necessary.
- DClose your eyes briefly and rely on lane markings to guide you.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Slow down, look to the right edge of your lane, and prepare to stop if necessary.
Temporary blindness from bright headlights is a significant hazard. The safest action is to slow down, shift your gaze to the right edge of your lane to avoid looking directly at the lights, and be prepared to stop. This helps preserve night vision and maintain lane position.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Looking directly at the headlights will worsen the temporary blindness and impair your night vision even more.
- B. Flashing your high beams back can further blind the oncoming driver, creating a more dangerous situation for both.
- D. Closing your eyes, even briefly, is extremely dangerous as you lose all visual input for steering and hazard detection.
Dealing with Headlight Glare
When blinded by oncoming high beams, slow down, look to the right edge of your lane, and be ready to stop to maintain control and safety.
- Avoid direct glare.
- Preserve night vision.
- Prepare for reduced visibility.
Memory trick: Bright lights ahead, look right instead, safety's thread.