When you’re driving in Kentucky, there’s certain situations where you might have to alert other drivers to a hazard or an accident. The best way to do that is to use your car’s flashing warning (or “hazard”) lights. You’re probably aware of how to use them, but you might not be familiar with when you can by law. Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can answer these questions and any others you might have about the legal process after a car accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When Can I Use Flashing Warning Lights in Kentucky?
Under KRS 189.043, you can use your vehicle’s flashing warning lights when:
- Warning other drivers that there’s a hazard ahead.
Along with this, the statute also lays out some technical aspects of where these lights are supposed to be on your vehicle:
- Front of your vehicle – The warning lights should be placed at the same height and as far apart as possible. They must flash at the same time and be either white, amber, or a color in between.
- Rear of your vehicle – The lights should also be placed at the same height and as far apart as possible. They must flash at the same time and be amber, red, or a color between the two.
These flashing lights need to be bright enough to be seen from at least 1,500 feet away at night in normal weather conditions. So, now that you know when you can use these flashing lights on your vehicle, you might be wondering why you’d need to use them.
Why Would I Need to Use My Flashing Warning Lights in Kentucky?
Alerting other drivers of a hazard is the main reason why you would need to use your vehicle’s hazard lights, but it can sometimes be difficult to know if the situation calls for it. Most of the time, though, here’s why you’d need to use these lights:
- You’re having car trouble – If your car stops working and you have to pull over, turn on your hazard lights. This lets other drivers know something’s wrong so they can slow down or move over.
- You’re in an accident – If you’ve been in an accident, use your hazard lights to warn other drivers. It helps keep everyone safe while you wait for help.
- You’re driving much slower than other cars – If you have to go slower than other cars–like if you have a flat tire or a heavy load–turn on your hazard lights so other drivers see you and don’t hit you.
- You’re stopped in a place where cars don’t expect it – If you stop somewhere unusual, like on the side of the road, at night, or in bad weather, use your hazard lights so other drivers notice you in time.
- There’s danger ahead – If you see a hazard like a crash, debris, or something in the road, turn on your hazard lights to warn drivers behind you.
While KRS 189.043 is in place to help you and other drivers, make sure to follow other traffic laws and only use your hazard lights when necessary–some uses (like driving with them on in normal traffic) might be against the law.
And remember, if you have questions about your legal options or rights, our Kentucky car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to answer them. Contact us today for a free consultation.
