Hazard light / turn indicator confusion: is any person or organisation working on solving this?

Question

If you can only see one side of a vehicle, it is not possible (with any system I have heard of) to tell whether *all* the indicators are flashing (as hazard lights), or only one side is flashing (as turn, or pulling out, indicators).

Hazard indicators tend to mean "I am staying where I am" and turn / pulling out indicators tend to mean the opposite.

Is any solution to this being worked on?

Additional Details

If you can only see one side of a vehicle, it is not possible (with any system I have heard of) to tell whether *all* the indicators are flashing (as hazard lights), or only one side is flashing (as turn, or pulling out, indicators).

One situation where this would be important is if one is passing a line of parked, or at least stationary vehicles on one's left (I am assuming that this is a country where one drives on the left). One will only be able to see the indicators on the right of the other vehicle (the right side from your own point of view that is). You want to be able to tell if the vehicle wants to pull out, or is staying where it is.

Hazard indicators tend to mean "I am staying where I am" and turn / pulling out indicators tend to mean the opposite.

Is any solution to this being worked on?

Answer 1

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I don't think this is recognised as a problem. From one of the other answers here we can all learn that it is obviously not a good idea to overtake a vehicle with hazards on whether they should be or not.
Even with indicators flashing you should not rely on the driver doing what is indicated.
There are some idiots now using indicators of roundabouts to show that they are changing lanes on the roundabout when they should only be used to indicate where you are about to leave the roundabout

Source(s):

Lorry driver,12 years, car 27 years biker 31 years

Answer 2

The answer is already in the Highway Code.
It is a real shame people don't pay any attention to it.

These days hazard lights are used to mean, I know I shouldn't be parked here, but what the heck, I can put these flashing lights on and go buy my pack of cigarettes anyway.

Answer 3

Does this need a solution....?

If one is driving you usually approach another vehicle from behind or in front...

On the occasion you do meet a vehicle side on, its usually at a cross roads where a turn would be expected.

Answer 4

Hazard lights shouldn't be used whilst the vehicle is in motion, so this shouldn't ever come up. It's quite clear in the Highway Code.

Source(s):

Massive row with some stupid b1tch driving along with her hazards on, who randomly turned right whilst I was overtaking her. She had, apparently, indicated. How she expected me to know, I have no idea...

Answer 5

Some people drive with their hazard lights on in bad weather (rain, snow storm, etc.) or when they have a problem (tire blow out) and need to get off of the road. And Hazard lights should only be used in emergencies when a car is stopped on the side of the road and not to park illegally in the fire lane and run into Walmart for a few minutes.

Just drive slow when approaching a car with any flashing lights weather they're turn signals or hazard lights. People that have hazard lights on don't want cars speeding by them fast. And if they're fixing to pull out, be prepared for that, but if you collide with them, the accident would be their fault for failing to yield to traffic already on the road.

There's really no solution if you can only see one side of the car. Just drive defensively.

Answer 6

Hazard lights mean - I have stopped - beware I have a flat tire - my motor quit - need help. Or I am driving slow watch out. You can see them from the back or front of the vehicle, they are blinking lights. If you only see one side of the vehicle, they are changing lanes or leaving the lane, give me room I am pulling in front of you - sorry. Really he could have blinking lights on one side and go the other way. Blinking lights slow down be care full. Watch out for those girl drivers! OOPS, pulled a bo-bo.

Answer 7

my cars flashes in a different cadance with hazzards on. Its about 2 quick and one slower flash

but that doesn't help because (a) there are not many of my car about and (b) pople don't know why its like that so think I've a fault

db9

I think the top-end mercs do the same

edit: just checked, mine is 3 quick and a gap, 3 quick and a gap, 3 quick and a gap etc etc.......

Answer 8

This annoys me as well hazards should only be activated if you are causing an obstruction or are broken down. The number of small van drivers and delivery vehicles who park in a line of parked vehicles and then turn their hazards on gets longer every day.this is ignorance on the part of the driver but try telling them and all you get is a mouthful of abuse.A solution doesn't need to be found just charge the drivers with using a vehicle without due care and attention but we all know this will never happen