I did hear recently that authorities are informing people not to use hazards just to be seen during inclement weather and that they should actually be saved for emergencies.
That said, I’ve driven in a sudden thick fog before on a freeway and the hazards helped everyone see each other. This was like 1 meter of visibility and everyone just moved at a slow speed until we were out of it. I think it was slightly more reliable than break lights, but only just.
This was in response to everyone using them during a blizzard.
I think the reason specifically is because the hazards are meant to indicate reduced speed, so maybe they were stating not to use them if not driving at reduced speed? I know our drivers handbook tells us to use them in reduced visibility “if driving at a greatly reduced speed”
According to a different article I just read, you should only use your hazards when your vehicle is posing a hazard to other vehicles. Its a small distinction.
Yes, that tracks. In very heavy fog, you should be at a reduced speed since you can’t see more than a meter in front of you. I imagine that’s true in a blizzard too. Your second reading is a little confusing though, I imagine in most cases like this a slowed vehicle is a hazard to others…
I did hear recently that authorities are informing people not to use hazards just to be seen during inclement weather and that they should actually be saved for emergencies.
This is a battle that they have been fighting (and losing) in Florida for decades. People still do it.
Oh wow I didnt know that, this was the first I had heard it
Tell that to everyone who is double parked, lol.
That said, I’ve driven in a sudden thick fog before on a freeway and the hazards helped everyone see each other. This was like 1 meter of visibility and everyone just moved at a slow speed until we were out of it. I think it was slightly more reliable than break lights, but only just.
This was in response to everyone using them during a blizzard.
I think the reason specifically is because the hazards are meant to indicate reduced speed, so maybe they were stating not to use them if not driving at reduced speed? I know our drivers handbook tells us to use them in reduced visibility “if driving at a greatly reduced speed”
According to a different article I just read, you should only use your hazards when your vehicle is posing a hazard to other vehicles. Its a small distinction.
Yes, that tracks. In very heavy fog, you should be at a reduced speed since you can’t see more than a meter in front of you. I imagine that’s true in a blizzard too. Your second reading is a little confusing though, I imagine in most cases like this a slowed vehicle is a hazard to others…
Yeah thats just the wording I’ve read, it seems ambiguous to me as well. I wish it was more clear-cut.