Every car has hazard lights, but it’s important to know when to use them. Until fairly recently, the only time you could legally use the flashers in your car was when you were pulled over and stopped on the side of the road for an emergency. That’s because when your hazard lights can confuse other drivers and when they are on, you can’t signal that you’re turning.
But the law was changed in 2021 to allow their use in “extremely low visibility conditions,” like when there is thick fog, heavy rain, or smoke, and the speed limit is over 55 mph. So it’s still illegal to use flashers in clear weather on roads with lower speed limits.
When Should You Use Hazard Lights?
Although the law now permits hazard light use in specific scenarios, safety experts caution against relying on them unnecessarily. Here are some guidelines for when it’s appropriate to activate your hazard lights:
- Severe Weather Conditions: Use hazard lights during heavy rain, fog, or smoke if visibility is significantly reduced, and you’re driving on a highway with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher.
- Stopped Vehicles: If your vehicle breaks down, or you need to pull over due to unsafe conditions, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Funeral Processions: Hazard lights can also be used when participating in a funeral procession as a signal for other drivers not to interfere.
If you feel unsafe driving during severe weather, experts recommend pulling over to a safe location rather than relying solely on hazard lights.
Why Hazard Lights Can Be Dangerous
While hazard lights can improve visibility in some situations, they also come with risks. Misusing them can confuse other drivers and may cause car accidents. Here are some potential dangers:
- Disabled Turn Signals: When hazard lights are activated, you can’t use turn signals, which can make it dangerous to turn or change lanes.
- Brake Light Confusion: Flashing hazard lights can obscure brake lights, so drivers behind won’t be alerted that you’re slowing down or stopping.
- Driver Misinterpretation: Other motorists may assume your vehicle is stopped or experiencing mechanical issues, leading them to swerve unnecessarily or take sudden actions that could cause collisions.
Because of these risks, many safety experts advise against using hazard lights while driving unless absolutely necessary.
Best Practices for Driving in Severe Weather
If you find yourself driving in heavy rain or other low-visibility conditions, there are safer alternatives to using hazard lights:
- Turn on Low-Beam Headlights: Florida law requires headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use. Low-beams make is easier to see without blinding other drivers.
- Reduce Speed: Drive at less than the speed limit and try to keep a safe following distance to avoid accidents caused by hydroplaning or sudden stops.
- Don’t Use Cruise Control: Using cruise control on slick pavement can make you lose traction. Instead, pay close attention with manual control of your speed.
- Pull Over if Necessary: If it gets too dangerous to drive, pull over safely and wait until conditions improve.
Orlando Car Accident Attorney
If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to drive during severe weather, err on the side of caution by pulling over and waiting for conditions to improve. Staying informed about traffic laws and best practices will help keep you and others safe on the road.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport.
