Using Hazard Lights

[GrahamA]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.

Often I'll use the hazard lights when a vehicle is following me too closely and it is invariably effective in getting them to drop back.

[BMWST?]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.

Often I'll use the hazard lights when a vehicle is following me too closely and it is invariably effective in getting them to drop back.

not unusual to see lane splitting bikes in welly with the hazards on.I use my hazards every now and then as a acknowledgement when say someone has let me into a queue,just a couple of flashes of the hazards

[Berries]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.
Have never used them on a bike, seem like a gimmick to me. The one time I thought about it was once when I was first on the scene of a crash (not group riding). In the end I parked at the side of the road so I was not in the way so no need.

Not sure when you would be posing a hazard to someone else while on a bike. If someone else is posing a hazard to me then I am out of there, not going to bother wasting time trying to find the hazard light switch and hope they don't hit me.

Nobody in their right mind would see a motorbike coming towards them with the hazard lights on and think it was a pilot vehicle for a following hazard which was your third example. They would just think here's some dumb arse who doesn't know his lights are on.

Cars are different. I am thinking that's because the car is actually a hazard if you hit it because it is parked stupidly or slowing suddenly or towing someone. Can think of many examples where I would use them in a car, but none on the bike. Apart from the bike not really being a hazard to most road users I suspect that the distance between the indicators is such that they lose their effectiveness over a fairly short distance as well.

Meh, not a fan of relying on hazard lights and horns when really you should be focusing all your energy on getting out of harms way.

[WALRUS]

I don't think any of my bikes have ever had hazards :/

[Berries]

My last two bikes have, both were Suzuki.

[YellowDog]

Yes I agree with the OP. Never used them before, as not ever had the facility/function. My bike is new, so I would hope they are an included option. I know I have self cancelling indicators, so that's a start. Will check through the book and then look for the magic button :yes:

[WALRUS]

I'm pretty sure all Triumphs have had hazards for years. My folks have had4 generations of sprint, 3 generations of Street Triple, and a Bonneville SE, I'm almost positive they've all had hazards

[AllanB]

Don't think I have such a switch. Probably weighs too much :bleh:

[GrahamA]

If you're not a hazard light user yet why not give it a go?
You don't have to 'rely on hazard lights or horns' but they can't hurt. Just like you can dress like a parrot, which I do, but don't rely on it to be seen. All of these things are aids rather than guarantees and out there we need every aid going.

Self-cancelling indicators have been mentioned here and they are are another aid I'd like to try, especially ones which cancel after the turn has been made rather than just on elapsed time. GPS-sensitive ones perhaps?

ABS was, and maybe still is, ridiculed only by idiots claiming they could do better, but as a notable rider and racer said to me once, "Nobody is 100% on the case 100% of the time. I'm realistic enough to know that I'm never 100% of anything.

[FJRider]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.

Often I'll use the hazard lights when a vehicle is following me too closely and it is invariably effective in getting them to drop back.

Invariably ... cars and motorbikes don't see you until you pass them. If they haven't seen your headlight ... they wont see any hazard lights because they don't look in their mirrors.

Flash your headlights and they'll think you're telling them there is a cop ahead ... and slow down. Much more effective than hazards ... :devil2:

If the one behind is too close ... pass the one in front or increase the gap ... :devil2:

A If there is a need for people to let me into a queue (it may happen one day :innocent:) ... I would wave with the left hand. Few don't know what THAT means ... :devil2:

As a few already said ... I don't have them and never felt the need to have them. And I cant think of a reason to have or use them ... that is better/easier than what I do already.

[Berries]

I stand corrected. When I said I could not imagine someone on a bike posing a hazard to others I did overlook someone travelling below the open road speed and stopping at give way signs.

It's kind of like a big L plate really.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Nobody in their right mind would see a motorbike coming towards them with the hazard lights on and think it was a pilot vehicle for a following hazard which was your third example. They would just think here's some dumb arse who doesn't know his lights are on.

or maybe they would? Of course having signage on the front of the bike that says "Pilot Vehicle" and strobing orange and purple lights makes it even clearer. That's happening now and may well be a growing phenomenon in the future.

[release_the_bees]

The one time I've used the hazard lights was going over the harbour bridge in gale force winds. The cars behind me gave extra space which was appreciated, as I was getting on the limit of being able to stay within my lane due to sudden wind gusts.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Moi]

As the Road Code states:

Hazard lights

When you turn on your hazard lights, both indicator lights flash at the same time as a warning to other road users. You should only turn on your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard to other road users, such as when:

* you're changing a tyre on the side of the road
* your vehicle has broken down and is being towed.

Using cause you're being blown about on the bridge would make sense, in the olden days the bridge authority used to stop bikes/scooters when it was very windy and then escort them across in single file with a bridge authority vehicle front and rear...


Was interesting to note that on some mountain roads in NSW, drivers are permitted to use hazard flashers when it is foggy or in other adverse weather conditions.

[actungbaby]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.

Often I'll use the hazard lights when a vehicle is following me too closely and it is invariably effective in getting them to drop back.

Great point i never thought them like that to be honest .what situwations do you mean though . ice trees down stuff like that i cant hurt can it .

only time i used mine on the car is if i stoped car to help somone parked to the side of the road . say people are near the road or chould be around a stoped broken down car.

One of my bikes has running lights on the indicators am not sure these are a great idea . more so if confuses a driver your turning . as there not common in nz . more the usa .i can take of one,wire to disable them.

Only other time i might have used hazards on a gs 450 but i dobt it had them. i rode up and down between stoped cars when the road was blocked off . highway . but that was only tell people what was going on ahead .

[GrahamA]

The reason I started this thread is because I know that few people realise how useful hazard lights can be at times, especially to let a following driver or rider know that something is prompting the bloke ahead to activate the hazards so I'll give him some space. I can guarantee that it works. Even old ladies catch on.

Critics, please read the opening post again - calmly.

[Moi]

Hazard lights are great to have IMHO. They can be used to say, 'I am posing a hazard to you.' and 'You are posing a hazard to me.' They can also be saying to oncoming drivers, 'There is a hazard behind me which you are approaching.' That's what vehicles coming towards you are doing when they have flashing lights and often a sign telling of a hazard which they are leading.

From my observations few drivers and riders use their hazard lights when it would be better if they did. My advice is to avoid bikes which don't have them and to learn how to use them readily when you do have them.

Often I'll use the hazard lights when a vehicle is following me too closely and it is invariably effective in getting them to drop back.

How are YOU posing a hazard to other road users?

How are THEY posing a hazard to you?


The reason I started this thread is because I know that few people realise how useful hazard lights can be at times, especially to let a following driver or rider know that something is prompting the bloke ahead to activate the hazards so I'll give him some space. I can guarantee that it works. Even old ladies catch on.

Critics, please read the opening post again - calmly.

Okay, if you're approaching, say, stock on the road then putting your hazard lights on could be argued as sensible. When else would you suggest such action should be taken?

[GrahamA]

A vehicle following me too closely is posing a hazard to me. It affects how I can brake if necessary. If the hazard light lights don't do the trick I just quietly slow a bit to increase the clear space ahead. If you can't understand that you might need help.

[Berries]

If you can't understand that you might need help.
Have you been introduced to cassina yet? She has the same tone if someone dares to disagree with an opinion.

[Moi]

A vehicle following me too closely is posing a hazard to me. It affects how I can brake if necessary. If the hazard light lights don't do the trick I just quietly slow a bit to increase the clear space ahead. If you can't understand that you might need help.

Okay.

First, I'd suggest that a vehicle following too closely is a "threat" rather than hazard, but that's probably semantics.

Why are you introducing another aspect to the dynamics of the situation - your hazard lights?

You can increase the gap in front of you by just easing off the throttle or by maintaining the same throttle and "dabbing" your brake lever enough to flash your brake lights.

If they are too close, why are you not pulling over to let them pass/overtake?

But what about the other situations?

[Honest Andy]

When I worked on the roads I used to see lots of cars put their hazards on for all sorts of reasons.
I think they must be fantastic.
They seem to make you invulnerable and superhuman and put an invisible super barrier between your vehicle and the rest of the real world,
They let you:
-stop in the middle of the road
-reverse out of driveways into heavy traffic
-go the wrong way on the motorway and ramps
-tow overloaded trailers
-overtake on blind corners...(or is that ski-racks..?)
-slow down for scenery
-stop for ducks

Wonderful things, hazard lights :laugh:

[caspernz]

Using hazard lights on a moving vehicle...:shutup::facepalm::innocent:

[FJRider]

Okay.

First, I'd suggest that a vehicle following too closely is a "threat" rather than hazard, but that's probably semantics.



Anything else on the road is a threat. Be it have 2, 3, 4 (or more) wheels (or legs). Hazard lights will not change their intentions ... at best just delay them.

Their use just leads to a false sense of security in your own head. People take just as much notice of them as the "Baby on board" signs that some like to hang in the back window of their cars ... :zzzz:

[george formby]

The reason I started this thread is because I know that few people realise how useful hazard lights can be at times, especially to let a following driver or rider know that something is prompting the bloke ahead to activate the hazards so I'll give him some space. I can guarantee that it works. Even old ladies catch on.

Critics, please read the opening post again - calmly.

Yup, I use my hazards on occasion a bit like hi viz. Come around a corner and see a column of stopped or slow moving traffic... Hazards might go on for a few seconds until I know the vehicle behind is aware. Stuff like that, grabbing attention to a situation. Works, too.
Nearly used them today riding tail gunner for my G/F trying to get to the petrol station on reserve at 60 / 70kmh. Not a lot of traffic so no real need. But yeah, handy blinkers.

Odd fact for the day. A re-jetted DT 230 uses approx 7 ltrs / 100km of petrol. 11 ltr tank and I reckon reserve is just over 2 ltrs. Thirsty but fun!

[FJRider]

A vehicle following me too closely is posing a hazard to me.

If THEY see you as a hazard and follow you closely ... then put their hazards on ... will YOU move over to let THEM past .. ???

If hazards are as good as you claim ... you will.

[WALRUS]

Have you been introduced to cassina yet? She has the same tone if someone dares to disagree with an opinion.



Maybe Grahama is the male Cassina

.. Shock and horror! :lol:

[GrahamA]

I stand corrected. When I said I could not imagine someone on a bike posing a hazard to others I did overlook someone travelling below the open road speed and stopping at give way signs.

It's kind of like a big L plate really.

Maybe you misunderstood me from the post, Life in the slow lane. We don't travel slowly when there is other traffic about, then we travel at the speed of the traffic flow.

There is no sound reason not to stop at a Give Way or un-signed intersection. Following traffic, if any, has a duty not to run into you whenever you stop. The reasons whey we stop when we don't have to were clearly explained and are valid.

Those who know me will know that I'm a long way from being an L-plater. How about you?

[GrahamA]

Maybe Grahama is the male Cassina

.. Shock and horror! :lol:

I see that you're an Aussie. Could explain a lot.

[Berries]

There is no sound reason not to stop at a Give Way or un-signed intersection. Following traffic, if any, has a duty not to run into you whenever you stop. The reasons whey we stop when we don't have to were clearly explained and are valid.

Those who know me will know that I'm a long way from being an L-plater. How about you?
I had an L plate in the late 80's so some way to catch up with you.

Have also spent the last 20 odd years dealing with crashes and while relatively minor, unless on a bike, you might be surprised at how many rear ends there are at intersections when the first vehicle stops when the second vehicle can see that the way is clear. Clearly the second person has a duty not to run in to you but it is not something I would rely on.

[GrahamA]

I had an L plate in the late 80's so some way to catch up with you.

Have also spent the last 20 odd years dealing with crashes and while relatively minor, unless on a bike, you might be surprised at how many rear ends there are at intersections when the first vehicle stops when the second vehicle can see that the way is clear. Clearly the second person has a duty not to run in to you but it is not something I would rely on.


Agreed. That that is always something to be aware of. I've never had a problem, bike or car, but maybe it's because I approach intersections and roundabouts pretty slowly rather than roaring up to them as if I might not stop and braking firmly at the last moment.

I can't remember the colour of my L-plate add-on, (brown on white?) but I can remember the name of the riding school teacher, Les Labone, a lovely wise 'old' man, and I remember the huge number of things he taught us. 'The road is not a race track' is one of them. Without remembering and trying to follow Les's advice I probably wouldn't be here now. Thank you, Les. RIP.

[FJRider]

Using hazard lights on a moving vehicle...:shutup::facepalm::innocent:

I've seen vehicles being towed (and the towing vehicle) using their hazards ... definitely a use I approve of.

Too much use of them reduces the noticeably of them. A bit like high-vis gear really ...

[caspernz]

I've seen vehicles being towed (and the towing vehicle) using their hazards ... definitely a use I approve of.

Too much use of them reduces the noticeably of them. A bit like high-vis gear really ...

A very practical, legal, example of hazard lights use. The OPs intent was none of those :lol:

[GrahamA]

Thanks for the responses, both positive and negative, however I will continue to use hazard light as I said because I'd rather get a ticket than a coffin, or in the case of reversing a car, hit a pedestrian in a supermarket car park or have a repair to deal with.

The Road Code doesn't say you shall not use hazard lights at various times but rather that you should use them only at certain times. Should is a conditional word and not an ordering one. Shall is an ordering word.

About 35 years ago I was stopped by a cop because my bike had two headlights going, something unheard of at that time. He pointed out that the law said that a bike shall have one headlight. I argued, successfully that my bike did have one headlight and that the law didn't preclude me from having two. Now if the law had said only one headlight he'd have been right. Maybe the writers of the present Code chose the word, should, knowingly?

[caspernz]

An aspect to consider might be two words "best practice" and possibly not what you were expecting :laugh:

Legalities aside, do what you wish. My view is that using hazard lights as described is a passive form of safety. If it works for you, great. I'd favour active safety, growing my following distance, assuming I couldn't just scoot to a forward safe area.

Good to hear you're still riding at a mature age though :niceone:

[Berries]

Maybe the writers of the present Code chose the word, should, knowingly?
Unlikely given how relatively unimportant they are in the scheme of things. But if people start putting them on a few seconds before they brake or indicate to give them a comfort zone or when they are changing radios stations I imagine the word should might get replaced with shall.


Thanks for the responses, both positive and negative, however I will continue to use hazard light as I said because I'd rather get a ticket than a coffin, or in the case of reversing a car, hit a pedestrian in a supermarket car park or have a repair to deal with.
Not sure I understand what you mean with the reversing car comment. Is that you driving it wanting to give more warning than the reverse lights do which are designed for that express purpose? If so you probably want to get air horns fitted so you can lean on them just in case the pedestrian has failing eye sight, better safe than sorry.

Sorry, I am being sarcastic but I just don't get it. The New World car park would be like a disco.

[FJRider]

... or in the case of reversing a car, hit a pedestrian in a supermarket car park or have a repair to deal with.



Hazard lights do not remove the onus of responsibility from the driver in such cases. Those that choose to ignore you and your hazard lights (and most will) ... have the right to lay a complaint with Police if you hit somebody. Your use of hazard lights will be no defense.

[Owl]

I've got them on the 1290, but never used them. Could see them being useful if I want to leave motorists guessing as to whether I'm over or undertaking.:ride:

[Daffyd]

Is that you driving it wanting to give more warning than the reverse lights do which are designed for that express purpose?

I would have thought that the reversing lights are designed primarily so that the driver can see where he's going when he's reversing at night.

The fact that they warn others is, surely, an added bonus.

[awayatc]

I've seen vehicles being towed (and the towing vehicle) using their hazards ... definitely a use I approve of.

Too much use of them reduces the noticeably of them. A bit like high-vis gear really ...

problem is that a vehicle that is being towed with hazard lights on can't indicate......

not a good idea

[FJRider]

problem is that a vehicle that is being towed with hazard lights on can't indicate......

not a good idea

If only ONE has the hazards on ... shouldn't be an issue ... ;)

[awayatc]

If only ONE has the hazards on ... shouldn't be an issue ... ;)

bullshit...

much safer to see where the bloody thing is heading

from either end

[FJRider]

bullshit...

much safer to see where the bloody thing is heading

from either end

It's probably hard to get out of the way of them on a harley ... wear high vis gear and they might see you better before they go to pass you.

[FJRider]

problem is that a vehicle that is being towed with hazard lights on can't indicate......

not a good idea



.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ...........
From the New Zealand Road Code.

Only TWO examples given.

Cassina should have them hardwired ON ...



Hazard lights
When you turn on your hazard lights, both indicator lights flash at the same time as a warning to other road users. You should only turn on your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard to other road users, such as when:

you're changing a tyre on the side of the road
your vehicle has broken down and is being towed.

[Daffyd]

They start to come on as soon as it starts to rain here. Bloody annoying!

And, of course, illegal!

[Jeeper]

I would have thought that the reversing lights are designed primarily so that the driver can see where he's going when he's reversing at night.

The fact that they warn others is, surely, an added bonus.Its actually the other way around. Reverse light is there to indicate to other road users that you are now reversing. They are not designed to assist the driver with adequate light. If they were, they would be near the same light intensity as the headlights.

[Daffyd]

Its actually the other way around. Reverse light is there to indicate to other road users that you are now reversing. They are not designed to assist the driver with adequate light. If they were, they would be near the same light intensity as the headlights.

Absolute rubbish! They don't need to be as bright as headlights because the vehicle cannot travel backwards at highway speeds!

[caspernz]

Its actually the other way around. Reverse light is there to indicate to other road users that you are now reversing. They are not designed to assist the driver with adequate light. If they were, they would be near the same light intensity as the headlights.

In some ways it can be a bit of both.

For cars it's sensible to have reverse lights be illuminating the way somewhat, using hazard lights to reverse becomes a moot point.

For trucks it helps to have lots of light when reversing. Our units are set up to flick hazard and backing lights on when reverse is selected. The flood lamps on the tail end of most our trailers light up the path better than most motorbikes' headlights.

The OPs contention to use hazard lights the way he described, whilst well intended, is confusing to most road users :blink:

[Jeeper]

In some ways it can be a bit of both.

For cars it's sensible to have reverse lights be illuminating the way somewhat, using hazard lights to reverse becomes a moot point.

For trucks it helps to have lots of light when reversing. Our units are set up to flick hazard and backing lights on when reverse is selected. The flood lamps on the tail end of most our trailers light up the path better than most motorbikes' headlights.

The OPs contention to use hazard lights the way he described, whilst well intended, is confusing to most road users :blink:I have switched work lights, which I turn on when reversing in really dark spots.

[Jeeper]

I have never used my hazards, ever, in the 30+ years of being on roads. I don't see the point. If the weather is foggy, use the proper fog lights. Otherwise, normal lights are the order of the day.

Where I have used hazards is when broken-down on the side of the road.

[Daffyd]

Well we agree on one point...

[Owl]

I have never used my hazards, ever, in the 30+ years of being on roads.


Where I have used hazards is when broken-down on the side of the road.

Nah yeah.:confused:

[george formby]

I just about wore my hazards out this morning. We are suffering flooding as I type. On my way to work, just after dawn, I came across a lot of surface flooding and finally stationary traffic around a blind bend due to a lake, well, it's not blind if you're looking a few hundred metres ahead. The car behind me, no lights, was right up my chuff. I had no faith they were awake and used the hazards before I braked. It worked, they got the message sharpish. Bugger right and wrong, be seen and give warning is my motto. I think it's a courtesy, too.

Off topic. I doff my hat in the general direction of the 2 people commuting from Kerikeri on bikes this morning. Appalling conditions. I hope they are wearing the finest gore-tex wet weather gear and have fog free visors.