Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What action should a driver take when using windshield wipers?

1. Switch to high beams

2. Switch to low beams

3. Turn on hazard lights

4. Reduce speed significantly

The correct answer is: Switch to low beams

When using windshield wipers, the appropriate action for a driver is to switch to low beams. The reason for this is that low beam headlights are designed for use in conditions such as rain, fog, or snow, which often accompany the need for windshield wipers. Low beams provide adequate illumination without causing excessive glare that can impair visibility for other drivers or create a hazardous situation in poor weather conditions. Using high beams while the windshield wipers are in operation can be counterproductive since the light can reflect off the rain or snow, leading to reduced visibility. This can be dangerous both for the driver and for others on the road. Hazard lights are typically used to indicate a vehicle that is stationary or experiencing trouble, and reducing speed significantly may not always be necessary unless conditions are particularly severe. Therefore, switching to low beams while the windshield wipers are in use ensures that the driver maintains the best possible visibility and adheres to safe driving practices in adverse weather conditions.