Hazard lights are special lights that flash on and off, used on vehicles to warn those cars surrounding them that there is an issue with your vehicle.
Using them while moving may confuse other drivers. People say we use hazard lights to become more visible. However, it can be dangerous if it is misused.
Read on as we share some situations where should you avoid using the lights to avoid miscommunication with other road users.
Heavy downpours
Hazard lights signify a vehicle that has stopped for an emergency. They are not meant to increase visibility. However, many drivers use the lights during heavy downpours.
To your knowledge, drivers cannot use the hazard lights as they could lead to danger. They can confuse and give the wrong signal to other motorists. The motorist behind you will not be able to tell whether you will be turning left or right, adding that this can further lead to road crashes.
It is enough to notify other motorists with your headlamp.
Foggy weather
Please use your fog lights instead of hazard lights when driving through the fogs.
Other than that, you may also use the fog lights to indicate your vehicle’s existence to other motorists. The lights are designed to light up the road immediately near the car to improve your visibility.
Passing through the tunnel
Do not turn on hazard lights when entering a dark tunnel. Many drivers like to turn them on when entering a dark tunnel. Again, they can cause confusion to the other motorists. Please use your headlights to enable other drivers to notice your vehicle.
Straight sign at junction
What should you do if you accidentally drive in the wrong lane? Should you use hazard lights to give signals to other motorists?
Do not do that! You can use your turn signal lights to notify your direction (turn left or right) to other motorists. Again, do not confuse others for mutual safety.
Convoy
Many drivers use hazard lights during convoys to indicate their ‘group trip’ is heading to a destination. Their use during convoys is not necessary. They will only confuse other road users and hinder the traffic.
Just keep a safe following distance to ensure that none of the convoy group is left behind.
Use the hazard lights at the right time
Please use the hazard lights at the right time to avoid confusion among the road users. For example, during a car breakdown on a roadside, road accident, and such.
The lights are to signify a vehicle that has stopped for an emergency. It is to warn other road users to prevent potential accidents.
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