A 4-minute lesson from the Arkansas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Many crashes happen because one driver doesn't see another, or does something the other doesn't expect. Your lights, horn and turn signals tell other road users you're there and what you plan to do. Turn on your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing others.
Know the rule
Arkansas law requires headlights whenever you need your windshield wipers. Use headlights on rainy, snowy or foggy days so others can see you.
Use high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles; they let you see twice as far as low beams. Use them on unfamiliar roads, in construction zones, or where people may be along the road.
Emergency flashers (hazard lights) warn others of an emergency, a broken-down vehicle, or that you're parked on the roadside. If you can, use your cell phone to notify authorities of a breakdown.
Use turn signals before changing lanes, turning left or right, merging into traffic, and parking. Turn the signal off after the turn or lane change; a false signal is unsafe.
If you'll turn just past an intersection, signal after you pass through it. If a vehicle is about to enter the street between you and your turn, wait until you've passed it to signal.
At night on a two-lane highway, you see headlights crest a hill ahead. Switch to low beams before the car comes within 500 feet, and switch back to high beams once it has passed.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When should you turn on your headlights relative to sunset and sunrise?
15 minutes after sunset and 15 minutes before sunrise
1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise
30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise
Only after full darkness
Answer: 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise
Headlights should go on a half hour (30 minutes) after sunset and a half hour before sunrise.