Rural roads, corners, night time - use of lights

paddyman

Hi all,

A question i would like to check with the forum. I hope i am explaning this clearly.

I was recently driving with a passenger on some rural roads in the dark. They have recently passed their test and commented on a behavior i do.

When entering corners on the rural roads i switch to dipped lights and then go back to beams after exiting the corner. i do this regardless of whether there is an oncoming vehicle or not. My thinking is i don't want to risk dazzling someone or be fiddling with lights while taking a corner incase i meet someone during the turn.

They advised that they were thought that you should have full beams on during taking the corner and only dip them if there is on oncoming vehicle.

Q1. Am i after picking up a bad habit i should change?.

Q2. The part of the road in question that led to the comment has 3 quick turns right on top of each other, i actually had the dipped lights on for the duration of the 3 corners and switched back after exiting the 3rd. Is this also a bad habit?.

Thanks all,

65535

Look up to the telephone lines/electric cables going from pole to pole or up to the trees - you will see oncoming lights (if any).

Then (and only then should you lower your lights) - lower your lights for an oncoming vehicle, for oncoming pedestrians or cyclists also.

Also lower them in built up areas.

Don't know why 2 comments were posted ?

meathstevie

Not necessarily a bad habit but why would you deprive yourself of maximum road illumination when there’s no need for it ?

Kaybaykwah

Yes, as the commenters above explained, if you don’t perceive lights up ahead, you should keep your high beams on.

Jakey Rolling

Actually safer on some of these roads at night, as you have advance warning of oncoming traffic due to their lights (assuming you don't meet some ould fella driving with just his side lights).

Keep your high beams on, others are then more likely to see you coming