What lights should be turned on when temporarily parking a vehicle in snowy weather?
4 Answers
When temporarily parking a vehicle in snowy weather, the hazard warning flashers, position lights, and rear position lights should be turned on. Below is an introduction to the use of low beams and high beams: Use of low beams: Low beams must be turned on when driving in dark areas without streetlights, during dusk when it is dim or at dawn when light first appears; if encountering heavy fog, snow, or heavy rain that obstructs visibility, low beams must also be turned on even during the day; in some areas where there is lighting but the brightness is insufficient, low beams should also be used. Use of high beams: High beams should only be used when there are no other lighting devices on the road and no oncoming vehicles. Otherwise, they can severely interfere with the vision of other drivers and even cause traffic accidents. Be careful not to mistakenly use high beams instead of low beams.
I remember one winter when I was driving and encountered heavy snow, so I temporarily stopped near a roadside gas station. The wind was so strong and the snow so thick that visibility dropped to just a few meters. I quickly turned on the hazard warning lights, and those flashing lights stood out vividly against the gray snowy backdrop, like a warning signal. A few cars behind soon noticed, slowed down, and avoided a rear-end collision. This habit stems from a lesson learned—once, I didn’t turn on the lights and nearly had an accident. Now, whenever I stop in snow or wind, I always turn on the hazard lights. It’s also important to choose a safe spot—avoid stopping on curves or hilltops to prevent skidding. Don’t park for too long in snowy conditions, and keep the engine running after turning on the lights to prevent freezing. In short, turning on the hazard lights is the first safety measure when stopping temporarily in snow, minimizing accident risks and ensuring a safer trip.
When temporarily parking in snowy conditions, I always press the hazard warning light button immediately. It makes the front and rear lights of the vehicle flash alternately, emitting a clear warning signal that helps other drivers identify the hazardous location from a distance. Especially during blizzards when visibility is poor and the vehicle's outline can easily be covered by snow, turning on the lights effectively prevents rear-end collisions. I choose to park on straight roads or wide shoulders to ensure a safe location. After turning on the lights, it's advisable not to turn off the engine to avoid draining the battery. If waiting for rescue, turning on the lights is sufficient for warning. From my driving experience, I've learned that on slippery snowy roads, briefly stopping and turning on the lights is a basic habit—small actions that ensure greater safety.
Turning on hazard warning lights is a must when temporarily parking in snowy conditions. Having driven in the north for years, I know snowstorms absorb light, making vehicles easily blend into the white background. The double-flash effect of hazard lights has strong penetration, quickly drawing attention. After turning them on, position your car away from traffic to avoid secondary risks. Additionally, with low temperatures in snowy weather, clear snow from the light covers to ensure sufficient brightness. This simple action significantly improves safety, making snowy roads more manageable.
