It is more dangerous to drive at the maximum speed limit at night than during the day because…?
- The roadways are more apt to be slippery at night
- Some drivers unlawfully drive with parking lights only
- You cannot see as far ahead, even with headlights ✓
- Your reaction time is slower at night
Answer: C. You cannot see as far ahead, even with headlights
It is more dangerous to drive at the maximum speed limit at night because you cannot see as far ahead, even with headlights.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says plainly that at night, and in rain, snow or fog, your headlights don't let you see as far ahead as you can in daylight. It tells you to slow down at night, especially on unlit roads. At the maximum speed limit your stopping distance can stretch beyond what your headlights show you, so you may not have room to stop safely for something that only appears at the edge of your lights.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. The roadways are more apt to be slippery at night — The handbook links night danger to reduced visibility, not to the road surface being more slippery after dark.
- B. Some drivers unlawfully drive with parking lights only — Driving with parking lights only is a separate rule about vehicle lighting; it isn't the reason the handbook gives for night driving being more dangerous.
- D. Your reaction time is slower at night — The handbook talks about limited how far you can see, not about your reaction time being slower at night.
Remember it
Ask yourself whether you could stop within the stretch of road your headlights actually light up, not the stretch you hope is there.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Driving at night and in bad weather