Driving on the dual carriageway / motorway at night

[ajax_andy 0]

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on the correct etiquete when driving at night on a dark motorway or dual carriageway if there's nothing in front?

 

If I'm in the slow lane and there's nothing in front is it ok to use my full beam, or will that distract drivers on the other side of the dual carriageway / motorway?

 

I don't usually use full beam but was driving back from Morpeth at about 10pm last night and there's sections where there are no street lights... I was in a bit of a rush to get home so was doing about 75 with my full beam on. A few cars where going the other way but there's a kind of hedge between us so I didn't think it would be an issue, but then a lorry started flashing me to tell me to dip them.

 

So what does everyone else do on the motorway in the dark if there's nothing in front of them? Dipped at all times, just when they see something coming the other way (which is all the time), or just full beam because it won't really effect them anyway?

[PaddockLad 17290]

When its quiet at night its full beam, until you see lights on the opposite carriageway then dip them iyam. Dont know what the Higway Code ssays about it, and it may well have changed since the last time I looked at it, circa 1987

[Christmas Tree 4729]

When its quiet at night its full beam, until you see lights on the opposite carriageway then dip them iyam. Dont know what the Higway Code ssays about it, and it may well have changed since the last time I looked at it, circa 1987

 

This

[ajax_andy 0]

Cheers lads... wasn't sure there was much need when the cars were so far away but I'll make sure I'm a little more considerate next time

[@yourservice 67]

Nothing worse on country roads when the twats don't dip after you're clearly in view. I whack mine on just before they pass.

[ajax_andy 0]

Nothing worse on country roads when the twats don't dip after you're clearly in view. I whack mine on just before they pass.

 

Aye that's annoying like! I wouldn't ever do that and tbh I never usually drive on the motorway with my full beam on... was just in a hurry to get home as had a looooong day working whilst suffering from man flu

[Guest CabayeAye]

Ypu this, although i don't really need to do that since i've xenon headlights anyway which are miles better than the old yellow bulb jobs

 

Waste of money, mate. You can achieve exactly the same effect by just leaving your full beams on permanently.

[Guest CabayeAye]

Well didn't cost me anything and mine aren't the "blind everyone" kits people attach in reflector based headlights

 

I'll let you off this time then.

[JawD 99]

Have you noticed on country roads some driver like to play "who blinks first" with the main beam. you can tell when they have theirs on and seem to leave it until you dip yours before they do.

 

I have really sensitive eyes at night, especially when tired it can look like all lights are on main beam. When someone is on main beam I cant see a fucking thing. No matter the road, you shouldnt have them on with oncoming traffic (or built up areas etc).