How to Handle Oncoming High Beams Like a Pro

When you're driving at night in South Dakota, nothing's more blinding than that sudden flash of high beams coming your way. It's an unsettling experience, isn’t it? You might be tempted to look directly at the car, but I assure you, that’s not the best route to take. So, what should you do? According to driving experts, the safest response is to look to the right edge of the road until the vehicle passes.

What’s the rationale behind this? Well, glaring high beams can mess with your vision—like someone flipping on a bright light in a dark room. By shifting your gaze to the right, you get to keep an eye on where you're headed while avoiding that blinding glare. Imagine strolling down a sunny beach, aiming your eyes toward the horizon, enjoying the calm waves while ensuring you don’t trip over a sandcastle. It’s similar while driving; you want to keep your balance and control, eyes focused on safe paths.

Now, let’s chat about why looking directly at the oncoming vehicle is a big no-no. It’s like throwing your hands up during a surprise sneeze—you’re just inviting trouble! Directly staring into high beams distracts you, blinding you even more and crippling your ability to stay aware of the road and what's around you. You want to avoid those near-misses, right?

You might think, “Hey, I’ll just turn on my own high beams and give that driver a taste of their own medicine.” Trust me, resist that urge! That sort of tit-for-tat strategy doesn’t just create more glare but also raises the chances of confusion and accidents between you and the other driver. Instead of getting back at them, you'll likely just amplify the risk.

And here’s another tempting yet reckless thought: speeding up to pass that oncoming vehicle quickly. It’s a common misconception that faster is better in a situation like this. However, zooming ahead only increases your chances of losing control. You might misjudge your speed and risk skidding off the road or—in a worst-case scenario—colliding with another vehicle. Not the ideal outcome for your driving adventure!

So, by looking to the right edge of the road, you ensure your vision isn’t compromised. You also get to maintain control over your vehicle while the blinding car passes, allowing you to be aware of everything else happening on the road. It’s like being a skilled juggler who keeps all those balls in the air instead of letting them drop and crash.

Mastering how to navigate through situations with high beams will not only boost your confidence behind the wheel but also ensure you’re protecting yourself and others around you. It’s a small skill to practice that pays off in ensuring a smoother, safer journey for everyone involved.

Take a moment to remind yourself: driving is as much about staying aware and in control as it is about getting from point A to B. So when those high beams hit your eyes like a flashlight, remember to keep calm, keep focused, and keep safe!