While driving at night, a vehicle coming toward you has its high beams on, making it hard for you to see the road ahead. You should:
- Look ahead toward the left edge of your lane.
- Look ahead toward the right edge of your lane. ✓
- Look straight ahead in your lane.
Answer: B. Look ahead toward the right edge of your lane.
When an oncoming vehicle's high beams make it hard to see, look ahead toward the right edge of your lane.
Why this is the answer
The California Driver Handbook addresses this exact situation. It says not to look directly into the oncoming headlights, and instead to look toward the right edge of your lane while watching the other vehicle out of the corner of your eye. The handbook also warns against answering bright lights by keeping your own high beams on, since that makes it harder for both drivers to see. Steering your gaze to the right edge gives you a lane reference you can follow until the vehicle passes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Look ahead toward the left edge of your lane. — The handbook points you to the right edge of your lane, not the left edge, since looking left keeps you closer to the oncoming traffic and its glare.
- C. Look straight ahead in your lane. — Looking straight ahead keeps your eyes in the beam of the approaching headlights, which is exactly the direct stare the handbook tells you to avoid.
Remember it
Bright lights coming at you? Slide your eyes to the right edge of your lane and catch the other car from the corner of your eye.