When to use hazard lights in your car

The usage of hazard lights has been the topic of debate for many years. Hazard lights, as the name suggests, are meant to be used when one is being a hazard on the road and wants to warn other road users. 

The hazard lights have a switch on the centre console, and it switches on both the indicators of your vehicle to signify that you are a hazard on the road. Contrary to popular belief, hazards are not supposed to be used in certain scenarios, and some states would even fine you for using your hazards improperly. 

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The hazard lights should be used when you are posing a hazard to other road users. Now this could happen due to a few reasons. If you are stopped on the side of the highway, a breakdown, an accident or signalling other road users of potential hazards which are on the road. 

While most situations require the hazard lights to be switched while stationary, one can also use the hazard lights if, for some reason, they are moving slower than the usual pace of the flowing traffic. This may be due to some fault with the vehicle. 

This is where it gets controversial. In no circumstances, when considering poor weather conditions, should one switch on their hazard lights. Extreme fog, a heavy downpour, or even snow, are not meant for driving in inclement weather conditions. When faced with poor weather, one can simply switch on their headlights, and they should be visible enough. 

While many would argue that hazard lights should be switched on during poor weather conditions since they allow you to be seen better, it poses more harm than it does good in some cases. Switching on hazards will not allow you to use your indicators, so you cannot signify which direction you are going. The constant flashing lights also cause a lot of distraction to other road users. The last thing you want is to be distracted by hazard lights in a heavy downpour or dense fog. 

This also includes bikers, who are believed to be hard to spot, but having hazards on constantly will cause more distractions to other road users rather than make you more visible. Bikers can use a high-visibility jacket and keep their headlights on. 

Many cars are also equipped with front and rear fog lamps, which are designed to be used in such weather conditions. Many German cars come with them standard,d while other manufacturers also offer them, but using your regular lights should also be enough to be spotted in inclement weather.