You are driving at night on a dark, unlit two-lane rural highway at 55 mph when an oncoming vehicle suddenly rounds a curve with its high-beam headlights fully illuminated, temporarily blinding you. Simultaneously, a vehicle is tailgating you closely from behind. Which of the following is the safest and legally correct set of actions to take to manage the glare while maintaining vehicle control?
- Slow down safely, shift your gaze toward the right edge of your lane, and focus on the white pavement line until the oncoming vehicle passes.Answer
- BFlash your high beams repeatedly at the oncoming driver to signal them to dim their lights, while looking straight ahead to track their position.
- CMaintain your current speed of 55 mph and look directly at the oncoming car's center headlight cluster to gauge its exact distance.
- DBrake abruptly to allow the tailgating driver behind you to pass quickly so you can focus entirely on the oncoming glare.
Answer
Slow down safely, shift your gaze toward the right edge of your lane, and focus on the white pavement line until the oncoming vehicle passes.
When dazzled by oncoming high beams, the safest response is to avoid looking directly at the light by directing your vision down toward the right edge of your lane (the white edge line). Gradually reducing speed compensates for temporarily reduced visual range while minimizing rear-end crash risks.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Night Driving Glare Recovery and Steering Reference