California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesEasy
You are driving on a freeway at night. To reduce the risk of a collision, what should you do if an oncoming vehicle fails to dim its high-beam headlights?
- AFlash your high beams repeatedly to signal them.
- BSlow down significantly and turn on your hazard lights.
- CLook directly at their headlights to ensure they see you.
- DLook toward the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Look toward the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
Looking directly at oncoming high beams can temporarily blind you. The safest practice is to shift your gaze toward the right edge of your lane, using the painted lines or shoulder as a guide, until the blinding lights have passed. This helps preserve your night vision.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Flashing your high beams can escalate the situation and does not guarantee the other driver will dim theirs; it can also temporarily blind them.
- B. While slowing down can be helpful in general, the primary action to combat the glare itself is to shift your gaze, and hazard lights are not the appropriate response here.
- C. Looking directly at high beams will temporarily blind you and reduce your ability to see the road.
Night Driving Glare
To avoid being blinded by oncoming high beams, look toward the right edge of your lane until the vehicle passes.
- Looking directly at glare impairs night vision.
- Focus on the right side maintains awareness of your lane.
- Reduces recovery time for your eyes.
Memory trick: Bright light, look right, stay tight.