Can Hazard Lights Be Used During Heavy Rain on Highways?
1 Answers
Traffic regulations state that hazard lights can be turned on during heavy rain and fog, but certain conditions must be met. If these conditions are not satisfied, hazard lights should only be used in emergencies, as usual. When encountering severe weather conditions such as rain, fog, or hail on highways with visibility below 100 meters, drivers must activate fog lights, low beams, marker lights, and hazard warning lights. 1. Prioritize Stability in Heavy Rain: Drive at low speeds during heavy rain, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid frequent lane changes, especially when overtaking large vehicles. The spray from large vehicles can obscure visibility for several seconds, increasing the risk of accidents. If stopping is necessary, begin decelerating and gently apply the brakes about 100 meters in advance to give following vehicles ample reaction time. 2. Maintain Clear Visibility: Keep windows closed during rainy weather. If the outside temperature is lower than inside, the windshield may fog up, impairing visibility. In such cases, turn on the air conditioner to direct cool air toward the windshield. If the rear windshield fogs up, activate the rear defroster to quickly clear condensation. 3. Watch for Pedestrians: Exercise extra caution around pedestrians during rain. Umbrellas and raincoats can limit pedestrians' vision and hearing, making them less aware of approaching vehicles until they are very close, which can lead to accidents. When encountering pedestrians, reduce speed and yield patiently, avoiding any competition for right-of-way with pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles. 4. Drive Slowly Through Water: If water on the road does not exceed half the height of the wheels, vehicles can usually pass through safely. Maintain a low gear and steady speed to ensure stable and smooth passage through standing water. Driving too fast can cause water to splash into the air intake, potentially leading to engine stalling. 5. Exercise Caution in Deep Water: Rainwater often conceals potholes or deep sections of the road. When approaching standing water, slow down and assess the situation before proceeding. If the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tire height, avoid crossing and seek an alternate route instead of forcing passage. 6. Do Not Restart After Stalling: If the vehicle stalls while passing through water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Wait for professional assistance or contact a repair shop or 4S service center. Restarting the engine can cause severe damage due to water compression in the cylinders, and insurance typically does not cover such operator-induced engine damage.
