
Hazard warning lights are used to alert others that the vehicle is in a special situation. Sometimes, improper use of hazard lights can not only cause dissatisfaction among other drivers but also easily lead to traffic congestion and disrupt the normal flow of traffic. Hazard lights should only be turned on when a traffic accident occurs and the vehicle cannot be moved to a safe area. In such cases, it is also necessary to place a triangular warning sign behind the vehicle to alert approaching vehicles and then call for help while waiting for rescue. Alternatively, if the vehicle encounters a special situation and cannot continue driving while waiting for assistance, remember to turn on the hazard lights to alert passing vehicles that the car is in an abnormal state. Additionally, when driving in severe weather conditions with visibility less than 100 meters and speed below 40 km/h, hazard lights and position lights can be turned on as a warning.

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe hazard lights should be used cautiously, mainly in emergencies. For example, when your car breaks down and you're parked by the roadside, turn on the hazard lights to alert drivers behind you to avoid collisions. Another scenario is during heavy fog or rain when visibility is so poor you can barely see the road – hazard lights can enhance warning signals and prompt others to slow down. But don't misuse them; using hazard lights during normal driving may result in fines or mislead other drivers. I remember once on the highway when I had a tire blowout, I immediately turned on the hazard lights while waiting for assistance, which prevented a major accident. Hazard lights must also be used when towing to ensure safety. In short, hazard lights are life-saving signals – using them correctly can keep you safe.

From the perspective of traffic regulations, there are clearly defined situations for using hazard lights. In my daily driving, I only use them when the vehicle breaks down or in severe weather conditions like heavy snow or rain with low visibility. They are also necessary when temporarily stopping after a traffic accident to warn vehicles behind. Additionally, hazard lights must be turned on when towing a broken-down vehicle or during ambulance emergencies. However, misuse should be avoided, such as turning them on for temporary roadside stops for shopping. I recommend developing the habit of immediately turning on the hazard lights in emergencies to ensure driving safety, which is one of the most effective preventive measures.

When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that hazard lights should only be turned on in specific situations. For example, when your car breaks down and is parked on the roadside, during heavy rain when visibility is poor, or at the scene of an accident to warn others. Don't turn them on randomly during daily driving, as others might mistake it for a turn signal. Simply put, they are for protecting yourself and others in emergencies. One easily overlooked scenario is during traffic jams on highways—turning on hazard lights can alert following vehicles to slow down and prevent rear-end collisions, but don't keep them on for too long. Just remember these points, safety first.

As a driving instructor, I often teach my students that hazard lights should be used in the following scenarios: when the vehicle breaks down and needs to stop, during extreme weather conditions that affect visibility such as fog or snow, and when setting up a temporary warning zone during a traffic accident. They are also used during towing operations or when providing temporary assistance to others. However, avoid turning them on unnecessarily, such as during normal driving, to prevent confusing traffic signals and affecting traffic flow. Students often make this mistake during exams. I remind everyone to practice emergency drills regularly to develop good habits and reduce risks. These are the key situations—following the rules makes things much easier.

As a working mom, I don't use hazard lights much during daily commutes, but they're crucial in key moments. For example, when briefly stopping roadside to drop off kids at school in the morning, hazard lights must be activated to warn approaching vehicles. They're also useful in traffic jams to prevent rear-end collisions by signaling others to slow down. Other scenarios like vehicle breakdowns or heavy rain call for hazard lights plus safety triangles for extra precaution. Just remember not to overuse them on urban roads to avoid tickets. A related tip is to study the vehicle manual to ensure quick response in emergencies.


