How should your following distance change at night?
- It should be shorter, to use the other car's lights
- It should stay the same as it is in daylight
- It only needs to change on unlit highways
- It should be longer than it is in daylight
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D. It should be longer than it is in daylight
Distances are harder to judge at night and hazards show up later, so open up a larger gap. You can still use the lights of the car ahead from a safe distance.
Reference: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Riding at Night
When should you use the high beam at night?
- When not following or meeting a vehicle
- Only in fog or in heavy rain
- Only when stopped at intersections
- At all times, so that other drivers can see you
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A. When not following or meeting a vehicle
Use the high beam to see as far as possible whenever it will not dazzle a driver ahead or approaching. In fog, a high beam reflects back and makes it harder to see.
Reference: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Riding at Night
How can the vehicle ahead help you ride at night?
- Its brake lights tell you when it is safe to pull out and pass
- Its lights show the road and its bouncing taillights warn of bumps
- Its exhaust note tells you how fast the road ahead can be taken
- Its mirrors show you what is coming up on the road behind you
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B. Its lights show the road and its bouncing taillights warn of bumps
A car's headlights give a better view of the road than your own beam, and taillights that bounce up and down signal rough pavement. Brake lights say nothing about whether passing is safe.
Reference: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Riding at Night