Is It Correct to Turn on Hazard Lights During Heavy Rain on Highways?
2 Answers
Whether to turn on hazard lights during heavy rain should be judged based on the actual situation. The criteria for judgment are visibility and lighting conditions, not simply whether it is raining heavily. Hazard lights should be activated when visibility drops below a certain level, as their purpose is to alert other drivers to take caution. On highways, hazard lights can be turned on when visibility is less than 100 meters. Here’s more relevant information: Hazard lights are generally unnecessary in urban areas. In fact, it’s important to distinguish between highway and city driving conditions. Urban roads typically have good lighting, so visibility is rarely severely reduced. Even during torrential rain, visibility in the city is unlikely to drop below 100 meters. Therefore, unless there are special circumstances, there’s no need to use hazard lights in urban areas. Moreover, city traffic is relatively complex, and using hazard lights may confuse following drivers about the intentions of the vehicle ahead. Thus, in urban driving, hazard lights are generally unnecessary.
Driving with hazard lights on during heavy rain on the highway doesn’t seem right to me, as I often take long-distance trips and encounter such weather frequently. Hazard lights are primarily meant for vehicle breakdowns or emergency stops. Using them while moving can mislead drivers behind into thinking my car is immobilized, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. I remember last year during a heavy downpour, a car ahead was flashing its hazard lights, and I thought it had broken down. When I slowed down and changed lanes, a truck behind nearly crashed into me—it was terrifying. Now, during heavy rain, I stick to using fog lights and low beams, which are specifically designed for low visibility. They clearly indicate that the vehicle is moving without obstructing others’ vision. The key is to slow down, maintain a safe distance, and avoid speeding. If the rain is too heavy to see the road clearly, it’s best to pull over at a rest area and wait for the rain to ease. Safety comes first—using hazard lights can actually cause more trouble, so it’s better to use the correct lights properly.
