If your headlights go out while driving, what type of lights should you use instead?

Using emergency lights when your headlights go out while driving is the best course of action in this situation. Emergency lights, also known as hazard lights, are designed to alert other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing a problem or is in distress. When activated, these lights flash to increase your visibility on the road, making it clear to surrounding drivers that they should proceed with caution or potentially change lanes to avoid you.

While fog lights are designed for specific low-visibility conditions, they are not a substitute for headlights as they do not provide the same forward illumination necessary for safe driving. Brake lights, on the other hand, are intended to signal that you are slowing down or stopping; using them as a primary light source could confuse drivers behind you. Interior lights, while useful for visibility inside the vehicle, do not provide any illumination to the outside environment, thus failing to enhance your visibility to other road users. Therefore, utilizing emergency lights stands out as the most effective way to ensure safety until you can safely pull over and address the issue with your headlights.