When to Turn on the Parking Lights While Driving?
2 Answers
When visibility is poor in rainy or foggy weather, it is necessary to turn on the parking lights. Below is an introduction to parking lights: 1. Parking lights are not for illumination but serve as warning lights. They are primarily used to alert other vehicles to judge the width and size of the car. The commonly referred to "hazard lights" are actually the flashing parking lights. Parking lights are mainly used during evening driving to make the vehicle more visible to others. For example, in rainy or foggy conditions when visibility is poor, parking lights should be turned on. 2. Front parking lights usually emit white light, making it easier for oncoming vehicles to clearly see the width and position of the car, thereby improving safety. Rear parking lights typically emit red light to enhance light penetration, making it easier for following vehicles to spot the car ahead in poor visibility conditions, thus avoiding accidents caused by delayed detection of the vehicle in front.
I almost had an accident driving at night before I understood the importance of side marker lights. You need to turn on these contour lights when it's just getting dark in the evening or when entering a tunnel. In overcast, rainy, or hazy weather with visibility under 100 meters, they're a must. Once during heavy rain, I didn't turn them on and nearly got rear-ended—the dim lighting made it hard for the car behind to judge my vehicle's width. Now, I turn on the side marker lights plus low beams when streetlights come on even if it's not completely dark yet; on mountain curves, they help oncoming traffic spot you earlier. Remember, side marker lights aren't daytime running lights—never rely solely on DRLs in rain, as their brightness and penetration are insufficient and dangerous.
