On the Road continues to hear from readers about the proper use of high beams while driving, even after two recent columns on the issue. Readers are going a step further, not only referencing high beams, but also pointing out that many drivers don’t seem to know the basic rules of the road. It seems like a good time to suggest drivers across Southern California give the California Driver’s Handbook a review for basic rules of safe driving. Visit www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-handbooks/ to read it online or for an audio version. It’s available online for free as a downloadable PDF in several languages.
More on high beams
When is it legal to drive with your high beams on? Have drivers forgotten the rules for using high beams? Some think soAs we previously wrote, California Vehicle Code section 24409 says if a vehicle is driving behind another vehicle and is within 300 feet, the low beams should be used.
“While I agree that it can be dangerous that people don’t know, or abide by, high beam rules, I think you need to start with the basics, such as when to use your regular headlights,” writes Anneke Gambina, a commuter between Orange and Riverside counties. “Or, how to use blinkers to avoid confusion on the road. Perhaps an article on zipper driving for seamless entrance onto the freeway. Or my favorite: the left lane is the passing lane. If you see traffic stacking up behind you, MOVE OVER! My unscientific guess is that 50 percent of the traffic in SoCal is due to people not wanting to observe this law and impeding traffic flow.”
She continued, “Drivers should have their headlights on all the time, even during daylight hours, because it’s safer. But if they can’t wrap their heads around that, at least understand that when it’s rainy and gray, it is very difficult to see cars without their headlights on. It’s nearly impossible when the car is gray, black, silver, or tan and it blends into the road … Of course, it goes without saying that when it’s dark, everyone should turn their lights on, but I see a shockingly high number of people on the road every day who are driving in the dark, completely clueless about it.”
Daniel Hoffmann of Costa Mesa shared similar observations. Hoffmann asked we write about using a turn signal. We are happy to oblige. California Vehicle Code Section 22108 says, “Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.” In other words, use your turn signal before turning. It’s not only a safer driving practice and a courtesy to other drivers, it’s the law.
Hoffmann also asked if we’d mention the importance of following speed laws. He said he lived for a while in Germany with its famous Autobahn, and while he likes to drive fast, “Some of the speeds encountered on freeways here, particularly toll roads, are even for my taste a bit very high.” Today, there are no speed limits on certain stretches of the Autobahn (Germany’s national highway system) for some classes of vehicles.
In the United States for over two decades, speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2023, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities and killed 11,775 people, according to the NHTSA.
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What documents are needed to renew a REAL ID? Have drivers forgotten the rules for using high beams? Some think so Deadline to get a Real ID is coming, do you have what you need? Does the elimination of the knowledge test for drivers over 70 apply to motorcycles too? Is it legal to drive in California with a dog on your lap?Hoffmann also asked that we mention Vehicle Code Section 26708 which regulates windshields and mirrors. The first part of this section states, “A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.” Tinting the front windshield and front side windows is illegal and makes it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. It’s also more difficult for police to see into a vehicle.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995.
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