On a motorway why when driving do you need to show your hazards?

Trevor h

I can't believe the Traffic Policeman got it wrong ! (or maybe i can)

You can use your Hazzards on a Motorway to warn other traffic of an obstruction ahead - ie, you need to seriously reduce your speed.

Its in the Highway Code!

Chub_08

I'm training to be a driving instructor and this is the official answer from the highway code. "Hazard waning lights may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You must not use hazard warning lights whilst driving unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed."

tikehound

when driving, you don't
but it is an unwritten rule of the road to warn vehicles behind you of upcoming hazards
courtesy that may prevent an accident

it is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1995 sec 4 part 2
to use hazard warning lights on a moving vehicle

they are for warning of stationary vehicles which may be in a hazardous location

"isitme"

Tikehound, when I was in the police the law that you quoted was correct, however, guidelines change and now I'm an ADI, I have to say that Chub_08 is spot-on.

Bardic

The idea is if you come upon a tailback for some reason you use your hazards to wake the driver behind you up to the fact that you've had to stop or slow unexpectedly. And it's helpful to pump your brake lights too.

What experienced drivers have been doing for years, now it's "approved" in the Highway Code

TERRY READ

all ofthe above especially the courtesy one letting other drivers know of obstructions up ahead as it wakes them up and stop them ramming you

marlin

hazards are used to give drivers behind you advanced warnings,ie.an accident ahead or lane closure.

Angua

All of the above and also it can be a sign of 'thanks' if someone has let you out or moved over for you to pass, sometimes it's just a courtesy thing.

UCANTCME

Most commonly, hazard lights are used on a disabled car which has been pulled to the side of the road.

Especially at night, they increase the visibility of the car so that it will not be hit.

It also alerts drivers to the fact that there is a problem of some kind, and some drivers use hazard lights to ask for help, usually in combination with leaving the hood up.

Responders to an accident scene may also use their hazard lights to warn drivers about unusual conditions up ahead, and to help clear a lane for the accident.

Li Tho

If you are driving slower than the posted speed limit.

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