When to Use Hazard Warning Lights in a Car?
4 Answers
Hazard warning lights should be activated in the following situations: when the car breaks down and requires assistance; after a traffic accident occurs and the vehicle cannot be immediately moved from the scene, to alert other drivers of the incident ahead; and during severe weather conditions to inform drivers behind that there is a vehicle ahead. When driving on the road in conditions of fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail with visibility less than 100 meters, drivers should turn on fog lights, low beams, marker lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning lights. Additionally, the speed should not exceed 40 kilometers per hour, and a distance of at least 50 meters should be maintained from the vehicle in front in the same lane.
Having driven for over 30 years, my experience tells me that hazard lights should only be used in emergencies to ensure safety and effectiveness. For instance, if your car suddenly breaks down and stops on the roadside, you must immediately turn on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind to avoid a rear-end collision. Other common scenarios include encountering severe weather like heavy fog, rainstorms, or snowstorms, where visibility is so low that you can't see more than a few dozen meters ahead—using hazard lights can alert others to slow down. I've also been at accident scenes where hazard lights helped ambulances locate the spot quickly. However, it's important not to misuse them—for example, turning on hazard lights while changing lanes on a highway can obscure turn signals and create danger instead. It's acceptable to use them briefly when pulling over to shop, but you should leave as soon as possible. The general principle is to use them for emergencies, warnings, and protective measures to ensure your own and others' safety. Developing good habits can reduce road risks.
When driving on the road, I always keep in mind the rules for using hazard warning lights. According to traffic regulations, they should be turned on when the vehicle breaks down and cannot move, such as when experiencing a flat tire or engine failure while waiting for a tow truck on the roadside. Additionally, after a car accident, hazard lights must be activated at the scene to alert others and prevent secondary collisions. In extreme weather conditions like heavy fog or torrential rain where visibility is poor, turning on hazard lights and driving slowly is necessary, but it's only legal when visibility drops below 100 meters. For temporary stops in non-prohibited areas, such as when shopping or waiting for someone, using hazard lights is acceptable, but it shouldn't exceed a few minutes to avoid disrupting traffic. I've also noticed that during processions like wedding motorcades, hazard lights are used to signal unified movement. The key is not to misuse them: never turn them on during normal driving, as confusing signals can cause accidents. I always make sure to activate them only when truly needed.
For the safety of our family, we use hazard lights in dangerous situations while driving. For example, if the car suddenly breaks down or there's an accident on the road, turning them on can attract others' attention and avoid collisions. When I take my children on trips and encounter heavy fog with poor visibility, I definitely turn on the hazard lights and drive slowly to a safe spot. I also turn them on briefly when temporarily parking by the roadside to drop off my kids at school, but not for too long. Remember not to misuse them: turn them off when driving normally to avoid signal confusion. Protecting lives is the most important thing.
