During the days with low visibility, those with a lot of rain or fog, it is key to reduce the walking speed. But it is also essential to make correct use of the vehicle’s lights to send the correct information to other drivers and not create confusion that ends up causing an accident.
The discussion about when to turn on the emergency lights, popularly known as beaconsproduces a dichotomy as great as there are drivers in this country.
It is common to see incorrect use of beacons in different situations. One of the most common are low visibility conditions, generally caused by heavy rain or fog banks.
49.9% of Argentine drivers consider that it is correct to drive with the beacons on in conditions of low visibility such as fog or rain, according to a survey published a couple of years ago by the CECAITRA road observatory, of the business chamber. of road software.
Turning on the emergency lights is key to alert other drivers of something that is happening or about to happenin this way we protect others and ourselves from what may happen behind the vehicle we have been driving.
But sending the wrong message can produce an incorrect and unnecessary decision that can end in an exaggerated maneuver or, even, in a crash.
Beacons in rain and fog, yes or no?
The cars come equipped with a series of lights whose purpose is not only to illuminate to see and be seen at night, but also allow use a communication code to send information to other vehiclesWe must not forget that almost 90% of the information a driver receives comes through the eyes.
The emergency lights or beacons are identified by a red button or a red triangle, which is generally located in a nearby and quickly accessible place inside the passenger compartment. Once pressed, at least four lights in the corners of the body (almost always amber) come on intermittently.
According to National Traffic Law 24,449the “emergency flashing lights: they must be used to indicate stopping in a dangerous area or carrying out risky maneuvers”, as specified in section E of article 47.
That is why many people consider that driving in areas of low visibility is “dangerous” and, therefore, warrants turning on the beacons. The reality is that in this way, the only thing it will do is generate tension and confusion to other drivers. These vehicles are already traveling in a similar condition.
The first reaction a driver will have when seeing a car with its beacons on is that the vehicle is stopped or about to stop, which may force an unnecessary maneuver that may end badly.
The truth is that the rear lights (which should be on as a rule when driving on roads or highways) or the rear fog lights are more than enough to be seen in low visibility conditions.
On the other hand, if the rain is so heavy or the fog is so thick that it reduces visibility to a few meters, It is always advisable to look for a safe place to stop. as soon as possible (preferably not on the shoulder) and wait for conditions to improve.
It is common to see many drivers activate their emergency lights, even in situations with good visibility, when traffic stops suddenly to warn of this situation. That decision is correct, even though this message is also abused. What is not advisable is to continue with this signage if the traffic continues to move, even though it is very slowly.