How to use the Hazard lights?

I have written briefly about good driving practices. However, I apologize for forgetting to mention the correct and incorrect ways of using the hazard light. Probably the most misused and misinterpreted feature on Indian roads, it is very important to know how to and how not to use the hazard light. It is an important safety feature that can be a lifesaver, if used correctly, and can also make you look like an idiot if used incorrectly. So, here goes.

Use the hazard light, when-

1. Warning road users behind you-Hazard lights, as the name suggests, are used to warn users of a dangerous situation ahead. If you are travelling on a stretch of highway or taking a sharp corner, and the vehicle behind you cannot see the road conditions ahead of you, and there is a reason to slow down according to you, suppose, a heavy vehicle changing lanes suddenly at 40 km/h when you are at 80-90 km/h, bulls crossing the highway, pedestrians crossing the highway, or a big bumpy patch of road that can destroy vehicles if they take it at speed, etc., then flash the hazards 2-3 times to warn the vehicles behind you so that they slow down and a crash is prevented. If you already do this, you have earned my respect.
2. If you have to stop on the Expressway-You are not allowed to stop legally on Expressways, where vehicles are going really fast. However, if you have to stop on the side of the road due to a punctured tire, a driver swap, or someone getting carsick, then it’s best to use the hazards so that other vehicles don’t crash into you at 100 km/h or more. Also, if for some reason your engine shuts off in the middle of a highway and you are at speed, try to shift to the left edge or shoulder of the highway so that your car is safe, and then start the hazards and come to a slow stop. If you can’t, though I don’t recommend this as this should be your last option, then shift to the right edge and come to a slow stop and start your hazards.
3. If you are stopped somewhere temporarily where parking isn’t allowed-If you have to stop somewhere, then stay in the car and start the hazards to show that you have stopped temporarily and will move away when required. Do not use hazards as a way to stay stopped permanently as a VIP pass. It’s bad behavior and the cops will tow your car or fine you if they catch you doing this at a No Parking area.

Don’t use hazards for-

1.As a VIP pass for driving rashly-Do not use hazards thinking that once you have turned them on, you have a superpower that allows you to get away with rash driving. Do not assume that other road users will adapt to your rash driving magically if you have your hazards on. Wrong side driving, cutting through lanes,

speeding, stopping your car in the middle of a traffic jam, causing another traffic jam, obstructing a bus by stopping randomly etc. Hazards or not, this kind of driving won’t be tolerated by anyone.

2.Where not required-Indians have this weird habit of panicking and using hazard lights where not required, particularly in tunnels and in heavy rain where visibility is low. Just turn on your headlights! Hazards are to be used for an actual emergency, not because you are anxious.

So, that sums it up. Hope this helps clarify when and when not to use the hazard lights.