Motorway (2)?

Question

Following on from my previous question (and thanks to everyone who responded), if you did find yourself without power in the middle or outsied lane on a motorway, but able to free-wheel for some distance, which light would be best to use? If you just wanted to show that you were just slowing down then the hazzard lights would obviously be best. But, bearing in mind that you want to move left (in the U.K.) toward the hard shoulder, would it be better to use the usual indiators used when turning left? Would using the going left indicators, rather than the hazzards, mean that there would be less chance of someone hitting you when overtaking you on the inside lane? ( I know nobody should overtake on the inside, but I also know this sometimes happens in heavy traffic, when the cars in one lane slow down more that those in the other one(s).)

Answer 1

hazards, with them on people will automatically assume you will be pulling over, and hopefully let you over, using hand signal to show your pulling over will help

just putting on your indicator people will think you have missed you turning and just tying to get over, and not let you and give you lots of grief

Answer 2

Firstly, do not touch your brakes as the slightest application will slow any momentum you have left. If you have your lights on you could "flick" your rear fogs a couple of times ( easily mistaken for bake lights) - if you have time-
Initially I would use the hazard lights, then after a short distance use the nearside - kerb side- indicator ( depending on which country you are in) , then hazard lights & indicators in each lane until you are as far onto the hard shoulder as possible. Then get out of the car on the side away from the traffic, & move away from any possible impact on your vehicle. Head for the nearest emergency phone ( set 1 mile apart in the UK) indicated by arrow on marker post, noting the numbers on the post to give exact location & inform the police operator of the nature of the breakdown & number of occupants, then as before, stay away from the vehicle until help arrives. If the problem is fixable at the scene, once you are mobile, accelerate along the hard shoulded using hazard lights , then once up to a safe 'joining' speed use your indicators to move into the 1st lane. DO NOT do as I have seen countless foreign truckers do, indicate & pull straight into the 1st lane from a standing start !! A 'Brown Trouser Moment' to put it mildly

Answer 3

Hi Gola
I think it would depend on the amount of traffic.
I suppose a left hand indicator and the highways codes hand signal for slowing down would be best, waving your arm.
If i were in your shoes, then i would indicate give other motorists a slowdown signal, and move over asap, ensuring im well over to the bank on the hard shoulder as lorries often use the rumble strip and guides..
I sense you are a little focused on this subject, have you been told off by the police or somthing alittle more... you could always contact ROSPA or Central Motorway Police Group for formal guidance.
hope this helps... merry xmas

Answer 4

In any situation like this it is safer to use your hazard lights. A lot of drivers ignore indicators on Motorways.

Answer 5

Highway Code advises that any hazard on the motorway you must switch on hazard warning lights to alert other drivers

Answer 6

Its got to be your hazzard warning lights.Most of the drivers
i see on the roads forget they have left their indicators on and
continue down the road for several miles with them blinking.

Answer 7

Using hazard lights indicates a problem, and would be the better in this instance.

Answer 8

You are in a situation where you need to shoulder as well as inform other drivers of your situation, use your hazards!

Answer 9

as a truck driver i would rather see and probably react better to your hazard warning lights therefore less likely to squash you flat

Answer 10

I still think hazard blinker is better in this case.