New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesMedium
You are driving at night and encounter an oncoming vehicle with its high beams on. What is the safest action to take?
- ATurn on your own high beams to signal them.
- BLook directly at the oncoming headlights to maintain your lane.
- CFlash your high beams rapidly to get their attention.
- DLook to the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Look to the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
Looking at the right edge of your lane helps you maintain your position without being blinded by the oncoming high beams, preserving your night vision.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Turning on your high beams will blind the oncoming driver, creating a dangerous situation for both of you.
- B. Looking directly at the headlights will temporarily blind you and impair your ability to see the road.
- C. Flashing your high beams can also temporarily blind the oncoming driver and doesn't resolve the immediate issue of your own vision being impaired.
Dealing with Oncoming High Beams
Safe driving techniques to manage glare from high beam headlights of oncoming vehicles at night.
- Avoid looking directly at lights.
- Shift gaze to right edge of lane.
- Maintain speed and lane position.
Memory trick: Bright lights ahead? Look right instead!