Tampa Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Explains the Use of Hazard Lights in Florida Rainstorms
If you live in the Tampa, Florida area,
you are familiar with the intense rainstorms that sometimes
blow through on a daily basis, especially in the summertime.
You also probably are familiar with the Florida law that
requires you to turn on your headlights anytime it rains,
which makes your automobile more visible to others. What
you may not be aware of, however, is the fact that it
is illegal in Florida to turn on your hazard lights, or
"flashers," in the rain if your car is still in motion.
Whether you are traveling carefully
down US 19 between Clearwater and St Petersburg, or you
are stuck driving in a rainstorm on I-275 in Tampa, you
may think that turning on your hazard lights makes you
more visible while your vehicle is moving. The only problem
is, turning on your hazard blinkers also may give some
drivers the false impression that you are tapping on the
brakes. Other drivers may assume that you're stopped on
the road and have your hazard lights on for that reason.
Either way, putting your hazard lights on while you are
still moving can cause other drivers to slow down suddenly
and/or swerve to avoid your car, putting everyone at risk
of a serious auto accident.
For the sake of safety and the law,
Tampa car accident injury lawyer
Dale Appell, P.A. recommends that all drivers only turn
on their hazard lights when their vehicle is stopped.
If rain has made it impossible for you to see while driving
in Sun City, Lutz, Town & Country, Ybor City, or anywhere
else in greater Tampa Bay, pull over to a safe area and
stop before you turn your hazard lights on. That way,
you can wait out the storm without putting yourself and
others at extra risk.
To learn more about driving safely in
the rain and the proper use of hazard lights in the Tampa,
FL area, contact Tampa car accident injury lawyer Dale
Appell, P.A. We will be happy to give you more information
as well as a free initial consultation about your car
accident injury case.
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