Washington State Department Of Licensing Knowledge Practice Test

When you turn on your hazard lights in an emergency, the primary goal is to alert other drivers that you are experiencing a problem and may not be able to move safely. After turning on your hazard lights, the appropriate action is to pull over safely to the side of the road or to a designated emergency stopping area. This helps ensure your safety and the safety of other road users by moving your vehicle out of active traffic. By pulling over safely, you can evaluate the situation without the added risk of being in the travel lane, where moving vehicles could pose a danger. Once you are safely off the road, you can then decide whether to step out of the vehicle, attempt to fix the problem, or call for assistance. Each of these actions is contingent upon your safety and the exact nature of the emergency.