What action should be taken if your headlights fail while driving at night?

When headlights fail while driving at night, the most critical action is to slow down and find a safe place to stop. This response prioritizes safety, as operating a vehicle without headlights significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult to see the road, other vehicles, and potential hazards. Slowing down gives you more time to react to any unexpected situations that may arise as you lose visibility.

Finding a safe location to stop is also essential, as stopping on the road can pose a danger not only to the driver but also to other vehicles on the road. Once you have secured a safe stop, you can address the issue with your headlights, either by checking the fuse, replacing the bulbs, or calling for assistance.

While using hazard lights might increase your visibility to others, it does not aid your ability to see where you're going. Turning on high beams could potentially create glare, further impeding your visibility since you cannot see without normal functioning headlights. Driving and hoping for the best is not a viable option as it endangers everyone on the road, including the driver.