What is the recommended action when meeting oncoming traffic at night?

When meeting oncoming traffic at night, switching to low beams is the recommended action because it helps to prevent blinding the drivers of approaching vehicles. High beams are designed to illuminate the road far ahead but can create significant glare for other drivers, which is hazardous and can lead to accidents. By using low beams, drivers maintain sufficient visibility while being considerate of oncoming traffic.

This practice is established not only to enhance safety for all road users but also to comply with traffic regulations, which often mandate the use of low beams in these situations. Flashing headlights may be useful in some scenarios to signal another driver, but it does not necessarily contribute to safety when directly encountering oncoming traffic at night. Driving on the shoulder is not a safe or appropriate response to oncoming traffic, as it can lead to loss of control or collisions with roadside hazards.