What should you do if your headlights fail at night?

When your headlights fail at night, the most appropriate action is to attempt to switch to high beams or activate your hazard lights and safely pull off the road. This course of action is critical for maintaining safety on the road for both you and other drivers. High beams, if operational, will provide some illumination and make your vehicle more visible to others, while hazard lights signal that you are experiencing a problem and may be stationary on the roadway. Pulling off the road ensures that you remove yourself from potential hazards and gives you a chance to assess the situation without the immediate risk of being involved in an accident.

The other options do not provide safe solutions. Continuing to drive until you reach a well-lit area could put you at significant risk, as navigating without headlights severely limits your ability to see and be seen. Driving with only parking lights offers minimal visibility and does not meet legal standards for nighttime driving. Using your phone as a flashlight, while better than nothing, does not substitute for proper vehicle lighting and fails to fully address the immediate need for safety on the road.