In an emergency situation, what action should be taken regarding cabin lights?

Dimming the cabin lights during an emergency situation serves multiple important purposes. The primary reason for this action is to assist with visibility, particularly when it comes to identifying exits and pathways. Bright lights may cause temporary blindness or disorientation, especially if passengers are moving from a well-lit area to a darker environment. By dimming the lights, it creates a balance that allows for better adaptation of the eyes to the low-light conditions, improving the ability to see the exits and any potential hazards.

Additionally, dimming the lights helps to prevent panic and fosters a more controlled environment. It allows for a smoother transition as passengers move toward exits or follow instructions from the crew. Keeping cabin lights at full brightness might lead to increased levels of confusion or chaos, while turning off the lights completely could result in complete disorientation, making it difficult to locate exits or follow guidance. Only illuminating emergency exit signs could leave passengers in total darkness when visibility of other important exits and safety information is necessary.