Should Hazard Lights Be Turned On When Pulling Over to Wait for Someone?
2 Answers
Hazard lights should be turned on when pulling over to wait for someone. The hazard warning flasher, commonly referred to as "hazard lights," is a signal light used to alert other vehicles and pedestrians to special circumstances involving your vehicle. Here are situations when hazard lights should be activated: 1. When parking: However, if you park in an area with a no-stopping sign, turning on hazard lights while remaining in the vehicle still constitutes a violation. 2. In case of vehicle malfunction or traffic accident: If your vehicle suddenly breaks down or is involved in an accident while driving, making it impossible to move the vehicle to the roadside promptly, you should turn on the hazard lights to alert pedestrians and oncoming vehicles to proceed with caution. 3. When being towed due to a malfunction: If your vehicle needs to be towed because of a breakdown, the hazard lights should be activated to inform others that your vehicle is not in normal operating condition and to exercise caution. 4. During severe weather conditions: While driving, if you encounter severe weather such as heavy fog, rain, sandstorms, or snow, with visibility dropping below 100 meters, hazard lights should be turned on to remind other vehicles to maintain a safe distance.
After years of driving, I’ve learned that turning on the hazard lights when pulling over to wait is essential, mainly to alert vehicles behind. The roadside is not a safe zone—once stopped, you’re at risk of being rear-ended, especially in low light or during rain or fog. I’ve experienced this firsthand: once while waiting for a friend without lights, a speeding driver nearly hit me but dodged at the last second thanks to a quick flash of my lights. Traffic rules require hazard lights for temporary stops in accident-prone areas—a basic measure to protect yourself and others. Even short waits carry unpredictable risks, like pedestrians or animals darting out, and hazards give everyone advance warning. Plus, skipping them risks a police ticket. In short, make hazard lights a habit—one button press can prevent major trouble.
