Safe vehicle handling at night requires adapting your driving technique and vehicle controls to different driving scenarios. Match each night driving scenario to its correct driver action according to the Highway Code.
- Waiting in a stationary traffic queue at nightApply the parking brake and release the footbrake pedal to prevent glare to drivers behind
- Overtaking a vehicle on an unlit single-carriageway roadKeep headlights dipped until parallel with the vehicle ahead, then switch to main beam if clear
- Approaching a sharp bend on an unlit country laneDip your headlights early to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers before they come into direct view
- Driving along a well-lit street in a built-up areaUse dipped headlights so your vehicle is visible without dazzling pedestrians and oncoming traffic
Answer
Waiting in a stationary traffic queue matches applying the parking brake and releasing the footbrake; overtaking on an unlit road matches keeping headlights dipped until parallel with the other vehicle; approaching a sharp bend on an unlit lane matches dipping headlights early; and driving on a well-lit built-up street matches using dipped headlights.
Each scenario represents a specific vehicle control and lighting requirement under the Highway Code: applying the parking brake in queues avoids dazzle from high-intensity brake lights; keeping headlights dipped until alongside an overtaken vehicle prevents blinding the driver through mirrors; dipping headlights before rural bends protects unseen oncoming road users; and using dipped headlights in built-up areas provides appropriate illumination without glare.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Highway Code rules for headlight beam management and glare prevention during night driving
Estimated Time:1m 30s