How to use hazard lights on car properly?

What is emergency light?

Car emergency lights (also known as hazard warning lights, hazard lights, or temporary priority lights) are a system of lights that flash both left and right turn signals at the same time to signal that the vehicle is in an emergency or dangerous situation for other vehicles.

According to the vehicle owner's manual, hazard warning lights should always be used when the vehicle has an accident and must stop/park on the road. The lights will alert other drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard, reminding them to pay attention and proactively avoid collisions.

The function of emergency lights on cars is often used to signal that the vehicle is having problems: Engine failure, flat tire, out of gas...; Signal increased visibility in bad weather conditions: heavy rain, thick fog; Or notify danger when passing through a traffic accident, or support vehicles in front/behind that are at risk of collision.

Car emergency lights (also known as hazard lights, hazard lights, or temporary priority lights) are a system of lights that flash both the left and right turn signals at the same time to signal that the vehicle is in an emergency or dangerous situation for other vehicles. (Illustration: KT)

When should emergency lights be used?

I don't understand why so many Vietnamese drivers turn on their emergency lights to warn of danger and then give themselves the right to cut in front of other vehicles, even speed and overtake recklessly, and even turn them on to open up priority lanes when going straight through intersections and roundabouts...

According to Nguyen Tuan Minh - a driving safety expert, many drivers turn on their hazard lights and "carelessly" turn right without looking around, causing motorcyclists to fall over. This type of traffic participation is not uncommon in Vietnam and perhaps only a few Vietnamese drivers have such a strange way of using hazard lights.

"Even when driving on highways, it is not difficult to see passenger cars speeding recklessly, even in the emergency lane, and of course the "combo" is to turn on the hazard lights. Even when driving on crowded streets, there are still drivers who turn on the hazard lights and think that they have the right of way to go straight through intersections and junctions. It is true that everyone has urgent moments, but in such a dense traffic, it is impossible to go any faster. Not to mention that cutting in and out like that is very likely to cause collisions" - Mr. Minh expressed.

In addition, hazard lights are also used in Vietnam indiscriminately, such as to overtake other vehicles, stop and park (without any danger)... Do drivers not know about the function and mission of this type of light, or do they know but still abuse it in such a way?

Emergency lights should only be used when the vehicle has a problem while moving or has to be parked on the road. (Illustration: KT)

Emergency lights should only be used when the vehicle has a problem while moving or has to be parked on the road. Illustration: KT

In fact, when going through an intersection, if you do not turn on the turn signal on either side, the car will go straight by default. Going through a roundabout is similar, when turning on either side, the driver will turn on the turn signal on that side. If going straight through a roundabout, the law does not require you to turn on the turn signal, but you should use it according to the rule "enter left, exit right" to ensure more safety.

According to Mr. Minh, emergency lights should only be used when the vehicle has an accident while moving or has to park on the road, to help other drivers pay attention and proactively avoid unfortunate collisions. When the vehicle is on the road and unfortunately has an accident or breakdown, the driver can stop and turn on the emergency lights in places with prohibited signs without being punished. However, those who take advantage of turning on the emergency lights to stop and park illegally will be strictly handled according to the provisions of the law.

In addition, when driving in bad weather such as heavy rain or dense fog, the driver's visibility will be limited. Turning on the emergency lights will help other drivers slow down or consider more carefully when intending to pass your vehicle.

Another situation that should be considered for using emergency lights is when driving slowly through an accident area or transporting someone to the emergency room.

In addition, there are some other cases where it can be used but should not be abused. That is when reversing in a crowded and narrow place, parking in a dark place and blocking the way. However, these situations should be limited in use and only turned on when you see that your car can cause and touch, endangering others.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/su-dung-den-canh-bao-nguy-hiem-tren-xe-nhu-the-nao-cho-dung-10300202.html