Hazard lights are one of the most familiar features in any vehicle, yet they’re also one of the most misunderstood or misused. Those blinking amber lights are meant to communicate one thing – that your vehicle is in trouble or is a temporary obstruction on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers use them at the wrong time, often with good intentions, but in ways that could cause confusion or accidents. So when should you actually turn them on, and when should you keep them off?
When to use hazard lights
The purpose of hazard lights is simple – to warn other drivers that your vehicle is a potential hazard. They’re intended for use in emergency or roadside situations where your vehicle is stopped or moving unusually slowly due to an issue. Here are some proper uses of the hazard lights.
Mechanical breakdowns of flat tires – If your vehicle suddenly stalls or you need to pull over to fix a flat, turning on your hazard lights alerts approaching drivers to be cautious as they pass.
After an accident or obstruction – If your vehicle is blocking part of the road due to a collision or debris, turning on your hazard lights helps alert other drivers to slow down or steer clear.
While being towed – A vehicle under tow should have its hazard lights on. This is to make it visible and signal its limited maneuverability.
In short, hazard lights are intended for use in emergencies or situations where your vehicle is not operating normally and poses a risk to others on the road.
When not to use hazard lights
It has been observed, time and again, that many drivers tend to misuse the hazard lights or are unaware of how to use them properly. To clarify, here are some examples of when not to use your hazard lights.
During heavy rain – Using the hazard lights under heavy rain is perhaps the most common mistake many drivers make. While the intention is good, it’s actually dangerous as other drivers might not be able to distinguish if you’re braking, turning, or stopped. In this situation, using your headlights and observing proper speed are all you need.
In fog or low visibility – Hazard lights don’t make your vehicle easier to see in these situations. On the contrary, turning on your hazard lights will just make it harder for other drivers to read your driving cues. Use fog lamps or low beams instead.
When traffic slows down – Some motorists actually switch on their hazard lights when traffic crawls or stops, thinking it’s a courtesy signal. However, not many realize that brake lights already do the job. The blinking lights only create unnecessary confusion.
Remember
Hazard lights are not visibility lights. They are emergency lights. Used properly, they can prevent collisions and keep everyone safe. Used incorrectly, they can cause confusion at the worst possible time.
Hazard lights come standard in pretty much all vehicles, then and even today. They’re there to warn other drivers when your vehicle is the problem, not when the weather or traffic is. Turn them on when you need help, keep them off when you’re simply trying to get through a storm.
