What to Do If an Oncoming Driver Has Their High Beams On

Night driving can be quite the adventure, especially in Saskatchewan where the stars put on a stunning show but the road can get a little tricky. One situation that many learner drivers encounter is when an oncoming driver approaches with their high beams glaring. What do you do? Do you flash your own beams to signal them? Do you speed up to escape the light? Let’s break it down.

Keep Calm and Look Right

When faced with an oncoming vehicle using high beams, the safest approach is quite simple: look to the right side of the road and avoid direct eye contact. By directing your gaze toward the edge of the roadway, you can minimize the bright glare that can momentarily blind you. It’s like adjusting the brightness on your phone screen—your eyes need a break!

Why is this method so effective? Well, when you focus on the side of the road, it not only reduces glare but also helps you maintain a sense of your vehicle's position and the road itself. Think of it as your driving lifeline, allowing you to react appropriately without losing your composure.

Dodge the Night-time Dangers

You might be thinking, "But what about my own safety?" Absolutely valid! Keeping calm is crucial. When your vision is impaired by bright lights, your instinct may be to speed up and get past quickly. However, that could lead to some serious risks—potentially colliding with other vehicles or losing control of your own car. And let’s be honest; no one wants a bumper sticker that reads "I was in a rush" popping up on their rearview mirror.

Then there’s your own high beams—resist the urge to flash them back. Sure, it might feel satisfying for a second, but it can escalate the situation and temporarily blind the other driver. Remember how disorienting those grocery store lights can be when you walk in without sunglasses? Now imagine that on the road! Avoid causing more chaos; your goal is to maintain safety, not create a light show.

The Danger of Stopping

And let’s get one thing clear: stopping in the middle of the road is just asking for trouble. This isn’t the movies—there’s no dramatic pause! Such actions could lead to serious accidents—not just for you, but for those behind you who may not expect your sudden halt. Therefore, keep moving, keep focused, and stay safe.

Creating Good Habits

You see, this isn’t just about surviving one tricky situation; it’s about cultivating habits that will serve you throughout your driving life. Having a defensive driving mindset means that you anticipate potential problems and react properly. Whether it’s avoiding bright lights or handling slick winter roads, awareness is your best friend. Keep your eyes peeled not just for other drivers but also for the signs that denote safe and effective driving.

Practice, Practice, Practice

So next time you find yourself on a quiet Saskatchewan road with bright beams approaching, remember: focus to the right and maintain control. It’s all about staying aware and composed. While it's easy to be frustrated in such situations, your response can make all the difference.

In essence, navigating the roads confidently and safely under the glow of the stars comes down to preparation, poise, and paying attention to your surroundings. Your future self, and the unsuspecting drivers around you, will thank you. Now, go out there and ace that driving test!