What lights to turn on when temporarily parking on the roadside?
3 Answers
When temporarily parking on the roadside, turn on the right turn signal. Here is more information about the use of turn signals: 1. When overtaking, first turn on the left turn signal, then the right turn signal after overtaking. 2. When entering the highway, turn on the left signal. When exiting the highway, always turn right. No need to turn on the signal when entering a roundabout, but turn on the right turn signal when exiting the roundabout. 3. Generally, when making a U-turn, turn left, so turn on the left turn signal. When changing lanes to the left, turn on the left turn signal, and when changing lanes to the right, turn on the right turn signal. 4. When preparing to turn, turn on the signal in advance to give the driver behind you a reaction time.
I've been driving for twenty years and feel that turning on the hazard lights during temporary roadside parking is a life-saving habit. Hazard lights instantly alert vehicles behind you that you're stopped, significantly reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Especially on urban streets or highway shoulders where speeds are high, others may not realize you're stationary without the lights. Always choose a flat, safe spot—avoid curves or steep slopes. Check blind spots before exiting to ensure no one is approaching. In rain or fog, use the lights to enhance visibility. For prolonged stops, be mindful of battery drain and try to keep stops brief. Cultivating these small habits ensures safer travel, protecting both yourself and others.
I just got my driver's license a few months ago, and my instructor always emphasized using hazard lights only when temporarily parking on the roadside. I think it makes perfect sense because when you're parked, other drivers can easily assume you're moving. Turning on the hazard lights alerts others to give way. The operation is quite simple—just press a button on the dashboard to activate them. It's also important to choose a good spot, avoiding blocking intersections or parking in no-stopping zones. For example, when waiting for someone by the roadside, turning on the lights makes your intentions much clearer. In bad weather, it's even more crucial to use them—low visibility in rain makes it dangerous not to have them on. In short, following the rules from the start as a beginner ensures you avoid trouble and stay safe.
