The Downfall Hazard

Switching hazard lights on while raining. It ain't new thing though. Some say it's dangerous because it may confuse and mislead the other driver and some stated that they actually gives good visibility to the others. I stand under the againts-hazard-lights-when-it's-rain camp. In my opinion, when you think the rain pours heavily, instead of switching on the hazard lights and keep on driving, why don't you just stop at the roadside? You're still able to hold your "Downfall Hazard" philosophy intact :P and not bugging the other driver. After all, you shouldn't drive when the visibility is poor. Below are several posts I've gathered from the net concerning this matter.

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• Hazard lights suppose to be used for stopped vehicle, this is the standard. But Malaysian road user practice is to turn on the hazard light in the rain BUT still moving vehicle. So now cannot tell the difference between stopped vehicle and moving vehicle. So wat happens when someone car stall in the middle of the road in heavy rain. Hazard light is ON, but because many malaysian think hazard light turn on normal in heavy rain, someone gonna get bang from behind.

• I think that many motorists who switch on their hazard lights while in motion believe that, as you suggest, their car will be more obvious in the bad visibility. Secondly, they may also feel that the presence of hazard lights means that everyone should exercise more caution. In fact, when a motorist sees hazard lights at any time, he should already be decelerating and ready to stop if necessary because there must be some hazard ahead.

• It is not that people hate it. You are posing a danger to other people by turning on your hazard lights. There is a reason why it is called a HAZARD light. Look up the dictionary to find out what it means if you don't know.

• The problem is, that car was moving for the past few miles with the hazard light on.......so you begin to assume there is no hazard and will then start to ignore it. What I am saying is, you should not use the hazard light too liberally. And having it on and driving for miles is one of the no-no, even in heavy rain UNLESS it’s a REAL emergency like stalling on the road.

• Pure stupidity and inconsiderate to use hazard light but still moving. The powers that maybe must catch the blokes and have their driving licences impounded for many years. They must be banned from driving whatever vehicle. Period!

• What is wrong is that some drivers switch on the hazard lights driving in the rain from Ipoh all the way back to KL and give you that "hey stupid, why isn't your hazards on?"-look when you pass them. It is wrong to use the hazard lights continuosly. They are to be switched on when a car or an object pose a hazard to other road-users. Its applicable wherever you drive.

• Regarding when to use the hazard lights, what is JPJ doing about this? I am surprised it's always the rakyat having to depend on each other to come up with solutions and answers, what is the role of JPJ? Surely after all this years issues like use of hazard lights, right of way for pedestrian / zebra crossings should have been taught and examined during driving test. Still got kopi duit issue meh? Now I know the meaning of bolehland....anything goes!

• Just a thought... what if you are sending your pregnant wife (about to deliver) to the hospital or some form of medical emergency... is it ok to drive with the hazard light on? I think some horning and flashing of lights come in play here as well... :p...and how would you give signal when turning in to the hospital ??ooops, totally forgot, this is not neccessary :p - those tiny yellow lights on each corner of the car are made for rainy day only :D
  
  

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Content were derived from usj.com.my, motortrader.com.my & lowyat.net