Crashes often happen when one driver doesn't see another. Your headlights help you see and help others see you, and your horn gets attention when someone isn't looking your way. Use both at the right time — and never as a weapon.
Use your headlights:
- On rainy, snowy or foggy days — if your wipers are on, your headlights must be on (it's the law)
- When it begins to get dark, even if a little early
- Whenever lights are needed while driving — parking lights are for parked vehicles only
- When driving away from a rising or setting sun, so oncoming drivers can see you
Know the rule
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 areas, or where people may be along the road.
Handbook p. 40 ↗Know the rule
Dim your high beams whenever you come within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle.
Handbook p. 40 ↗Know the rule
Use low beams when following another vehicle, in heavy traffic, and in fog or hard snow or rain — high beams reflect back and cause glare. Use fog lights in these conditions if you have them.
Handbook p. 40 ↗Know the rule
If an oncoming vehicle keeps its high beams on, flash your headlights quickly a couple of times. If the driver still doesn't dim, look toward the right side of the road. Never keep your brights on to 'get back' at them.
Handbook p. 40 ↗How far you can see
| Condition | Distance ahead |
|---|---|
| High beams at night | About 400 feet — drive at about 50 mph or less |
| Very heavy rain, snowstorm or thick fog | Maybe not much more than 200 feet |
Know the rule
In a very heavy downpour, if you can't see well enough to drive, pull off the road in a safe place and wait until it clears. At hills and curves you can't see past, adjust your speed so you can stop.
Handbook p. 40 ↗Using your horn
| Situation | Horn |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian or cyclist moving into your lane | Light tap |
| Driver you're passing starts to turn into your lane | Light tap |
| Driver not paying attention or can't see you | Light tap |
| Child or older person about to enter the street | Sharp blast |
| Another vehicle is in danger of hitting you | Sharp blast |
| You've lost control and are moving toward someone | Sharp blast |
Don't use your horn:
- To make someone drive faster or get out of the way
- To tell other drivers they made an error
- To greet a friend
- Around blind pedestrians
- When approaching horses
Put it into practice
A drizzle starts at dusk and you switch on your wipers. You must turn on your headlights too. An oncoming car approaches with high beams; you flash your lights twice, and when it doesn't dim, you look toward the right edge of the road.