When should you activate your hazard lights?

Activating your hazard lights is a critical part of driving safety, particularly when your vehicle is broken down or you're at the scene of an accident. This action alerts other drivers to your presence and the potential hazard, helping to prevent further accidents. The use of hazard lights in these scenarios communicates that your vehicle is not in motion and poses a warning to approaching traffic, which is essential for maintaining safety on the road.

In contrast, using hazard lights while turning, driving in heavy traffic, or when a pedestrian is crossing may cause confusion among other road users. These situations do not inherently require the same level of warning as a breakdown or accident. In fact, using hazard lights incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings about your intentions on the road, which could create unsafe conditions. Therefore, the appropriate use of hazard lights is reserved for situations that present a clear and immediate threat to safety, such as a breakdown or accident.