by JaLynne Johnson

Created on: October 09, 2009

Civilian motorists should be allowed to utilize hazard lights to indicate an emergency while driving. In many emergency situations encountered while traveling, or which require the use of a civilian vehicle, the hazard lights are the only tool the driver has to communicate to his fellow motorists that time is of the essence. The interpretation of the word emergency should not be left open-ended. Just as almost every other aspect of driving is regulated by governing bodies, the situations for which which use of the hazard lights by civilian drivers is acceptable should be clearly stated.

Time is probably the most common reason many people choose to use personal vehicles rather than contact emergency services. When emergency vehicles are called in, one must factor in travel time both to the location of the emergency and, in cases such as medical emergencies, travel time to the facility needed. This can more than double the time it would take for someone to get into a vehicle already at the scene and provide one way transport. Someone living in a rural area may be ten minutes away from the nearest facility providing the services needed. This means just traveling would spend twenty precious minutes if calling for help was the option chosen. Twenty minutes may not seem to be a long time, but when dealing with emergencies, every second counts. If the driver has access to a mobile form of communication, which now most do, and is safely able to contact emergency services while driving, emergency services could meet the person in transit or even utilize their signaling devices to clear the path.

In allowing civilians to use their hazard lights as a warning and message to other motorists and pedestrians, regulations must be provided. Clear parameters should be communicated indicating what is acceptable and what is totally unacceptable. The parameters, while being clear in assisting civilians in determining what is an emergency, should also allow some case by case flexibility for extenuating circumstances. There should also be punishments for those who consciously choose to use emergency procedures laid out for non-emergency situations, just as other driving laws have consequences for being broken.

As someone who has lived in an extremely isolated area before, I know there are times waiting for help is not the safest option. Assistance can many minutes away and, in some cases, may have trouble even finding the address, due to rural location. Those who have their own transportation and may face life or death circumstances should not have to face a choice of penalty or letting someone suffer, and possibly die.

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