Which statement about headlight use at night is most accurate?

• A. High beams should be used only when safe; low beams are used in traffic.
• B. High beams should be used whenever the road is dark, regardless of oncoming traffic.
• C. Low beams should be used only when parked.
• D. Headlights are optional at night.

Answer: (C)

When you’re driving at night, headlights exist to keep you visible and to help you see without blinding other drivers. Use high beams on truly dark, empty roads where there’s no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, so you can see farther. Switch to low beams whenever there is traffic in front of you or approaching traffic, so you don’t glare into other drivers’ eyes. Also, keep headlights on whenever visibility is reduced, such as in rain, fog, or snow, not just when it’s completely dark.

The idea that low beams are used only when parked isn’t correct. Low beams are the standard driving setting at night to balance seeing and being seen, especially in traffic.