During poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, smoke and fog, switch your headlights…?
- To low beam ✓
- To high beam
- Off
- Any of these
Answer: A. To low beam
Switch your headlights to low beam in rain, snow, smoke or fog.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says to turn on your full lighting system and use low-beam headlights when driving in blowing snow or whiteouts; high beams reflect off ice particles and make it harder to see. It also requires headlights in poor light conditions such as fog, snow or rain. Low beams are the setting that lets you see without throwing glare back at you, so that is the right choice when weather cuts visibility.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. To high beam — High beam is wrong because in snow the bright light reflects off ice particles and makes it harder to see, so it is not the setting to choose in poor weather.
- C. Off — Off is wrong because the handbook says to have your full lighting system turned on in poor conditions and headlights are required when fog, snow or rain keeps you from seeing clearly.
- D. Any of these — Any of these is wrong because the handbook specifically points to low beams in poor weather, while high beams can reflect back and off leaves you without required lights.
Remember it
When visibility drops, pick the beam that keeps glare down.