When driving in traffic at night on a dimly lit street, what should you do?

Driving slow enough so you can stop within the area lighted by your headlights is essential for safety, especially when navigating through dimly lit streets at night. Headlights illuminate a limited area ahead of the vehicle, and visibility decreases significantly in low light conditions. By ensuring you drive at a speed that allows you to stop in response to any unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic, you enhance your ability to react promptly and avoid potential accidents. This practice gives you ample time to see and respond to pedestrians, other vehicles, or any hazards that may appear in your path.

In contrast, while driving at the speed limit might seem responsible, it does not take into account the reduced visibility at night; the speed limit may be too fast for night driving conditions. Using only high beams can actually reduce your overall visibility because it may create glare for oncoming drivers, which could lead to dangerous situations. Finally, using hazard lights is inappropriate while driving, as they are intended to signal a vehicle that has stopped or is moving very slowly, not for regular travel. Overall, the correct approach during nighttime driving on poorly illuminated streets is to adjust your speed to ensure safety based on your visibility.