Can Hazard Lights Be Used During Heavy Rain on Highways?
3 Answers
Hazard lights can be used during heavy rain on highways, but doing so is very dangerous. Heavy rain can obscure road conditions for drivers, and using hazard lights may confuse following vehicles about whether your car is moving or preparing to slow down and stop. Additionally, it becomes difficult for trailing vehicles to discern your lane-changing intentions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Below is relevant information about the use of hazard lights in vehicles: Use when the vehicle cannot move: When a vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident while waiting for the police, hazard lights should be activated. This serves as a warning to following vehicles, alerting them to the presence of a stationary vehicle ahead to prevent collisions and further safety incidents. Do not use in low visibility: Traffic authorities have also issued regulations stating that using hazard lights in extremely low visibility conditions will result in a 1-point penalty and a fine. Therefore, it is crucial to remember not to use hazard lights during heavy rain or dense fog.
It's completely acceptable to turn on the hazard lights when driving on the highway during heavy rain, and I often do this to enhance safety. Because visibility is particularly poor in heavy rain, and surrounding vehicles become blurry, turning on the hazard lights can immediately alert the cars behind me to my presence, avoiding rear-end collisions. I remember one time on the G15 highway, the rain was pouring down like buckets, and after I turned on the hazard lights, I clearly felt the car behind me keeping a greater distance. However, remember not to speed up when the hazard lights are on; maintain a steady low speed. If conditions permit, it's best to find a safe spot to pull over and wait until the rain eases before continuing. Additionally, using fog lights in combination works even better—hazard lights are just for warning, not as driving signals. It's also important to regularly check your car lights to ensure they are functioning properly; otherwise, they won't be of help in bad weather.
Turning on hazard lights during heavy rain on highways is definitely a good idea. I believe doing so can make driving feel more secure. Traffic regulations permit their use in low-visibility emergencies, such as heavy rain, as they provide a clear warning signal to following vehicles and reduce accident risks. However, it's important to note that they aren't necessary in all rainy conditions—for instance, during light rain. When I drive long distances and encounter heavy rain, I always press that hazard light button and slow down to below 60 km/h, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden lane changes. Wet roads make driving hazardous, and hazard lights are just one of many safety measures—staying focused and keeping a safe distance are equally crucial. Additionally, light intensity can be affected in high humidity, so I always clean my car lights beforehand to ensure maximum visibility.
