Lesson 01 · 5 min
Fit stopping distance inside the lighted path
Set night speed from usable sight distance instead of the daylight speed or posted limit alone.
Rule to rememberDrive slowly enough to stop within the distance visible ahead; poor lighting, confusing background light, dirty lamps, and road users without lights all shorten the usable decision path.
Use the visible path
Low beams show much less road than daylight. If total stopping distance reaches beyond the illuminated area, a hazard can appear too late for a controlled stop.
Reduce speed before the view closes
Slow for poor or confusing lighting. A posted limit does not promise that the vehicle can stop within the current headlight range.
Be seen as well as see
Use headlights from dusk to dawn and when visibility is poor. Clean working lights help other road users identify the vehicle's position and movement.