When should you turn on your hazard lights?

Turning on your hazard lights is an important signal to other road users that your vehicle is experiencing a problem that may affect traffic flow or safety. The correct instance for activating hazard lights is when your vehicle is stopped in a dangerous location. This action alerts other drivers that your vehicle is stationary and might pose a risk, thereby encouraging them to proceed with caution. Hazard lights help to highlight potential hazards on the roadway, making it clearer to others that they should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid collisions.

In contrast, using hazard lights when driving above the speed limit does not communicate any relevant information to other drivers and can create confusion about your intentions. Similarly, while approaching a police vehicle may require caution and possibly pulling over, activating hazard lights is not a standard practice in that situation. Lastly, seeing a pedestrian crossing does not necessitate the use of hazard lights; rather, it requires you to slow down and possibly stop to allow the pedestrian to cross safely.