California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Lane Position and VisibilityMedium
You are riding at night and notice an oncoming vehicle with its high beams on. What is the best strategy to maintain your vision and avoid being blinded?
- AStare directly at the high beams to make yourself more visible.
- BFlash your high beams repeatedly to signal the driver to turn theirs off.
- CLook down and to the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
- DClose one eye until the vehicle passes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Look down and to the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
Looking down and to the right edge of your lane helps to preserve your night vision by avoiding direct glare from the high beams. This allows you to maintain awareness of your lane position and potential hazards on the road ahead without being temporarily blinded.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Staring at high beams will temporarily blind you, making it impossible to see the road.
- B. Flashing your high beams might sometimes work, but it's not a guaranteed solution and can provoke road rage; the primary goal is to protect your own vision.
- D. Closing one eye reduces your depth perception and peripheral vision, which is dangerous at night.
Night Vision Protection
Techniques used by motorcyclists at night to avoid being temporarily blinded by oncoming headlights, especially high beams, and to preserve their ability to see the road.
- Avoid direct eye contact with bright lights.
- Focus on the right edge of your lane.
- Maintain proper following distance to adapt to light changes.
Memory trick: When facing bright lights, look far right, and your night sight will be alright.