An improper use of vehicle lights is flashing...

An improper use of vehicle lights is flashing...

• A. Brake lights to stop someone tailgating
• B. Hazard lights during normal driving
• C. Turn signals while changing lanes
• D. Headlights under 500 feet of distance

Answer: (A)

Flashing brake lights to deter a tailgater is improper because brake lights are meant to indicate that you are applying the brakes and should illuminate steadily to show the rate of deceleration. Flashing them can mislead following drivers about how hard you’re braking and can create confusion or even a crash. Hazard lights, used only for emergencies or when the vehicle is stopped, and turn signals, used for lane changes, have distinct, standardized meanings that aren’t satisfied by flashing brake lights. Headlights have their own rules based on visibility and distance, not on flashing to communicate with other drivers. So, flashing brake lights to stop a tailgater is not an appropriate use of vehicle lighting.

Flashing brake lights to deter a tailgater is improper because brake lights are meant to indicate that you are applying the brakes and should illuminate steadily to show the rate of deceleration. Flashing them can mislead following drivers about how hard you’re braking and can create confusion or even a crash. Hazard lights, used only for emergencies or when the vehicle is stopped, and turn signals, used for lane changes, have distinct, standardized meanings that aren’t satisfied by flashing brake lights. Headlights have their own rules based on visibility and distance, not on flashing to communicate with other drivers. So, flashing brake lights to stop a tailgater is not an appropriate use of vehicle lighting.