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If you are using high beams, you must switch to low when an oncoming vehicle is within _____ feet.

  1. 300

  2. 400

  3. 500

  4. 600

The correct answer is: 500

When using high beams, it is crucial for safety to switch to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet. This distance is defined to prevent blinding the driver of the oncoming vehicle with the intense light emitted by high beams, which can significantly impair their visibility and reaction time. Ensuring that you switch to low beams in this scenario promotes safer driving for both you and others on the road. The 500-foot guideline is established in many driving laws to enhance nighttime driving safety. Within shorter distances, such as those associated with the other choices, a driver may still be affected by high beams, thus increasing the risk of accidents. This specific distance helps create a safer environment for all road users by allowing enough time for both drivers to adjust their visibility as they approach one another.