In the Philippines, you should use hazard lights when your vehicle is stationary and poses a danger to other road users, such as during a breakdown, accident, or emergency stop. Proper use is crucial to avoid confusing other drivers, which can lead to accidents. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforces these guidelines in order to efficiently maintain road safety.
Though there are no specific LTO violations regarding the misuse of hazard lights, the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which the Philippines adheres to, has specific guidelines regarding the correct usage of hazard lights. Having said that, misusing hazard lights, like during heavy rain, can result in apprehension from traffic authorities while also increasing the risk of potential accidents and death on the road. Plus, do know that it’s a binding law so you are still breaking one by misusing your emergency flashers.
Hazard Lights Explained
Hazard lights, also known as hazard warning signal lights, flashers, 4-way flashers, or blinkers, are the blinking amber lights located at the four corners of a vehicle. They are activated by a triangle-shaped switch on the dashboard. These lights are used to signal that a vehicle is experiencing an emergency or is stationary and is posing a hazard to other road users.
Hazard lights are designed to alert other drivers of potential dangers, such as a breakdown or accident, ensuring that they can take appropriate action to avoid collisions. Proper usage helps provide clear communication to other motorists while also doubling up as an accident preventive measure, ensuring a smooth traffic flow.
Legal Context
As mentioned earlier, the rules on the use of hazard lights are governed by the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. It says that hazard lights should only be used to warn other drivers of specific dangers, such as accidents or breakdowns, and not while the vehicle is moving. Hazard lights do not indicate a change in direction. The convention also regulates the placement of red flashing lights, requiring them to be at the top of vertical stacks or on the side closest to oncoming traffic in horizontal stacks.
The Vienna Convention states that hazard lights are intended solely to warn of specific dangers such as accidents or breakdowns, and not for indicating changes in direction while driving. Philippine law, through Presidential Decree No. 207 [1973], ratifies this convention, making it legally binding. Therefore, using hazard lights incorrectly can result in legal liabilities and disputes regarding fault in road accidents.
When to Use Hazard Lights
Hazard lights are generally best used when a vehicle is stationary and poses a risk to other road users due to a breakdown, an accident, or an obstruction. These lights can also be used when pulling over for an emergency, such as when a police officer stops you. Their primary function is to alert others of potential danger.
In the Philippines, hazard lights need to be used appropriately to ensure road safety and prevent confusion and accidents. Here are ten situations where using hazard lights is necessary:
1. Vehicle Breakdown
Use hazard lights if your car breaks down and you cannot move it to a safe location. This alerts other drivers to your immobile vehicle, helping them avoid collisions.
2. Accidents
Turn on hazard lights if you’re involved in an accident and your vehicle is obstructing the road. This warns others of the hazard ahead.
3. Emergency Stop
When pulling over for an emergency, such as a medical issue or being stopped by the police, use hazard lights to signal to other drivers.
4. Towing
If your vehicle is being towed and is moving slower than the flow of traffic, use hazard lights to alert other drivers.
5. Loading or Unloading
When temporarily blocking the road to load or unload heavy items, turn on your hazard lights to inform others of the obstruction.
6. Hazardous Road Conditions
Use hazard lights to warn others of a sudden road hazard, like debris or an unexpected obstacle.
7. Slow-Moving Vehicle
If you’re driving significantly slower than the flow of traffic due to mechanical issues, use hazard lights to notify other drivers.
8. Caravan or Parade
When participating in a caravan or parade, hazard lights help maintain visibility and indicate your part in the procession.
9. Poor Visibility
In situations with extremely poor visibility where your vehicle is stationary, use hazard lights to make your presence known.
10. Escorting Emergency Vehicles
If assisting or escorting an emergency vehicle, use hazard lights to signal your role in the situation.
When Not to Use Hazard Lights
Consequently, it is equally important not to use hazard lights while driving in heavy rain or fog. Using them in such conditions can be confusing for other drivers which could lead to misunderstandings and possibly even more accidents. That said, knowing when not to use hazard lights is also important. After all, misusing hazard lights can confuse other drivers, cause accidents, disrupt traffic flow, and mislead other drivers.
Here are ten situations where you should avoid using hazard lights:
1. Heavy Rain
Do not use hazard lights while driving in heavy rain; it can confuse other drivers about your intentions since they can’t tell if you’re signaling a turn.
2. Fog
Avoid using hazard lights in foggy conditions as it may mislead others into thinking your vehicle is stationary.
3. Traffic Jams
Using hazard lights in heavy traffic can cause confusion and make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate your movements.
4. Illegal Parking
Hazard lights should not be used to justify illegal parking. This can create obstacles and endanger other road users.
5. Counterflowing
Do not use hazard lights when driving against the flow of traffic. This is illegal and dangerous, and hazard lights don’t excuse this behavior.
6. While Driving Normally
Never use hazard lights while driving under normal conditions. This can mislead others and diminish the purpose of hazard signals.
7. Lane Change or Overtaking
Do not use hazard lights when changing lanes or overtaking; use your turn signals instead.
8. Temporary Stops
Avoid using hazard lights for brief stops like picking up passengers or goods. This can cause unnecessary confusion.
9. Weaving Through Traffic
Using hazard lights while weaving through traffic is unsafe and can confuse other drivers about your intentions.
10. Parking Lot Maneuvers
Do not use hazard lights while navigating a parking lot. Use appropriate signals for parking maneuvers.
Best Practices for Use of Hazard Lights
Using hazard lights correctly is crucial for road safety, especially in emergency situations. Here are some essential tips to ensure you’re using your hazard lights appropriately and effectively. Follow these guidelines to keep yourself and others safe on the road:
Here are some best and safe practices to follow when using hazard lights:
1. Emergency Situations Only: Activate hazard lights only when your vehicle is stationary due to a breakdown, accident, or other emergency that poses a hazard to other road users.
2. Clear Communication: Use hazard lights to clearly communicate your situation to other drivers, indicating a need for caution.
3. Use Alternative Signals: Avoid using hazard lights while driving, and use turn signals for lane changes and turns to avoid confusion.
4. Visibility Enhancement: In poor weather conditions like heavy rain or fog, use headlights and fog lights for visibility instead of hazard lights.
5. Early Warning Devices: Always place an early warning device (EWD) behind your vehicle as required by local regulations, ensuring adequate warning for approaching drivers.
6. Compliance with Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding hazard light usage to stay compliant and ensure safety on the road.
7. Avoid While Driving: Do not use hazard lights while driving, as it can confuse other drivers about your intentions.
8. Clear Communication: Use hazard lights to clearly communicate that your vehicle poses a hazard, ensuring other drivers can take appropriate action.
9. Stay Safe: If you need to exit your vehicle, do so cautiously and remain aware of oncoming traffic.
10. Stay Alert: Continuously monitor your surroundings to ensure other drivers notice your hazard lights and react accordingly.
11. Battery Conservation: Turn off hazard lights once the emergency is resolved to avoid draining your vehicle’s battery.
12. Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding hazard light usage to ensure compliance and safety.
Using hazard lights properly while observing these safety practices not only helps maintain the proper functioning of hazard lights and the order on the road, but also prevents confusion among other drivers and other untoward incidents like collisions or crashes. Plus, it helps preserve your battery while protecting your car from faster wear and tear, so why not?
Video: When and How to Use Hazard Lights or Emergency Flashers?
Using hazard lights correctly is essential for road safety. Check out this video from Driving with Archie to learn more about when and how to use hazard lights properly and how they help prevent accidents on the road:
Summary
Knowing when to use hazard lights is critical for road safety. Use them only when your vehicle is stationary and poses a hazard to others. Avoid using them while driving in heavy rain or fog, as this can cause confusion. Follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of all road users.