Hätävilkku

Hätävilkku, also known as hazard lights or emergency flashers, is a safety feature found on most road vehicles. It consists of a system of flashing lights, typically amber or red, that can be activated by the driver. When engaged, all turn signal lights on the vehicle flash simultaneously.

The primary purpose of hätävilkku is to alert other road users to a hazardous situation. This typically includes when a vehicle is stopped unexpectedly due to a breakdown, an accident, or any other obstruction of traffic. Drivers may also use hätävilkku when driving at very low speeds in hazardous conditions, such as heavy fog or snow, or when maneuvering in a dangerous location.

Activating the hätävilkku system is usually done through a button or switch prominently located on the dashboard, often marked with a red triangle symbol. It is a legal requirement in many countries to use hätävilkku when stopped on the side of the road in a potentially dangerous situation, especially at night or in low visibility. Drivers should use caution and good judgment when deciding to activate their hätävilkku, as it is intended for genuine emergencies. It is not a substitute for proper signaling when turning or changing lanes.