What Lights Should Be Turned On When Temporarily Parking in Snowy Weather?
2 Answers
When temporarily parking in snowy weather, vehicles should turn on the hazard warning flashers, clearance lights, and rear position lights. Here are the relevant details: 1. Use of low beam headlights: Low beams must be turned on when driving in dark areas without streetlights, during dusk when it's darker, or at dawn when light is just appearing. If encountering heavy fog, snow, or rain that obstructs visibility, low beams must also be used even during the day. In some areas where lighting is insufficient despite having illumination equipment, low beams should also be activated. 2. Use of high beam headlights: High beams should only be used when there are no other lighting facilities on the road and no oncoming vehicles. Otherwise, they can severely interfere with the vision of other drivers and even cause traffic accidents. Be very careful not to mistakenly use high beams instead of low beams.
When temporarily parking in snowy conditions, I always turn on the hazard warning lights (also known as emergency flashers). This is because visibility can be extremely poor during heavy snowfall, making it difficult for following vehicles to spot a parked car on the roadside, which could easily lead to a rear-end collision. The flashing hazard lights are highly conspicuous, especially with the reflection of snow during daylight, effectively alerting other drivers to slow down or change lanes. I first find a safe spot to pull over, avoiding main roads, and immediately activate the lights without delay. Parking in snowy weather carries high risks, so I also turn on the position lights (side markers) to illuminate the sides of the vehicle, preventing it from sliding out of place. The principle of safety first must be kept in mind—after turning on the hazards, handle your business quickly and don’t linger. Additionally, before driving in winter, I make it a habit to check if all lights are functioning properly and carry an emergency kit, including a flashlight and reflective vest, just in case. In short, these simple steps can be lifesaving—never skip turning on the lights for convenience.
