using hazard lights when approaching an accident

derrick

hothothot wrote: »

You are correct that the hazard warning lights are legislated, and thefore constitute a criminal offence if they are used improperly. Specifically;

No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.


Hazard warning signal device

• Used other than-
  • (i) to warn persons using the road of a temporary obstruction when the vehicle is at rest; or
  
  
  • (ii) on a motorway or unrestricted dual-carriageway, to warn following drivers of a need to slow down due to a temporary obstruction ahead; or
  
  
  • (iii) in the case of a bus, to summon assistance for the driver or any person acting as a conductor or inspector on the vehicle.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_4.htm#(Tiii)27restrictionuselampotherthanthosewhichregulation24refer

If you check condition (II), it ONLY gives permission to use hazard lights for a temporary obstruction AHEAD. As the accident was on the other side of the dual carriageway, the drivers who both used their hazards did so in contravention of the law, and as you have kindly assisted in finding the legislation - proves my point even clearer that they were in the wrong to do so. I thought they had merely breached the Highway Code, in fact you have helped establish a modified point of view that they have in fact committed a criminal offence, which is more serious than I previously thought.

I actually agree with most of what you said, but needed to correct your statement re "the Highway Code is not legally enforceable rules anyway", I was just about to post up the link and quote you have just posted to emphasise the point re the HC;)

anotherbigspender

hothothot wrote: »

my plates...


T R O L L 1

Not W 4 N K E R?

mollycat

anotherbigspender wrote: »

Not W 4 N K E R?

or LY1NG TW4T ? :beer: