What is the reason for turning on hazard lights on the highway?
2 Answers
The reason for turning on hazard lights on the highway is to signal danger to vehicles behind. Hazard lights are used on the highway in situations such as vehicle breakdowns or when visibility is extremely low. Vehicle breakdown: If a car breaks down on the highway, it needs to be pulled over to the roadside. A warning triangle should be placed behind the vehicle immediately, and the hazard lights must be turned on. This is primarily to alert approaching vehicles that there is a breakdown ahead, prompting them to slow down and change lanes. Low visibility: When driving through heavy fog, snowstorms, or torrential rain, visibility can become extremely poor. If visibility drops below 100 meters, it is crucial to turn on the hazard lights, as such conditions are highly dangerous. In low-visibility situations, it is also necessary to turn on the low-beam headlights and side marker lights. Additionally, to inform surrounding vehicles of your position, occasional honking can help communicate your location to both preceding and following vehicles, thereby maximizing safety.
I think using hazard lights on the highway is mainly for safety warnings. If your car has an accident or a sudden tire blowout, pulling over and turning on the hazard lights immediately alerts drivers behind you, helping to avoid rear-end collisions. For example, once when my engine suddenly stalled while driving, I quickly turned on the hazard lights, and a large truck managed to swerve in time, preventing a serious accident. In heavy rain or thick fog when visibility is poor, the flashing hazard lights are more noticeable, helping others gauge the distance. There are also situations where the car is moving very slowly, like during traffic jams when speeds drop to only 20-30 km/h—using hazard lights alerts drivers behind to slow down. In short, hazard lights aren't something to be used casually; they should only be activated during emergencies or real dangers. Misusing them in normal situations can cause confusion and actually increase risks. On the highway, where speeds are high, safety comes first—using hazard lights properly can save your life.
