Why OPP say you shouldn’t use your four-ways while driving in snowy conditions

The OPP is speaking out against the use of four-way lights in storms, unless you are the hazard. CTV Windsor’s Sanjay Maru has the details.

Turning on your four-way flashers during heavy snow may feel like the safest move — but Ontario Provincial Police say it can actually create confusion on the road.

OPP Const. Chris Ciliska said one of the biggest misconceptions drivers have is thinking hazard lights should be used anytime they slow down in poor weather.

“The whole point of having hazards is if you are the hazard,” Ciliska said.

Some drivers said that instinct comes from wanting to be seen when visibility is poor.

When asked if he turns on his hazard lights when driving in snowy weather, Belal Halabi said “absolutely.”

“Because it’s hard to see and other drivers get to be aware of where you are,” Halabi said.

But police said that well-meaning approach can lead to unintended consequences, especially when visibility is already reduced by snow or fog.

“The common misconception is to use them if you’re just driving a little bit slower. But that can confuse people into believing you’re stopped or that something is ahead,” said Ciliska.

Another concern, OPP said, is that four-ways override turn signals.

“If your hazards are running nonstop, then when you signal a turn, nobody will know,” Ciliska said.

That’s something some drivers said they’ve noticed firsthand.

“I saw people using their four-ways on Highway 3,” said Alyssa Alves, adding she finds it “confusing” when drivers use their hazard lights when their vehicle is in motion.

“It looks like you’re slowing down. Don’t do it.”

Other drivers CTV News spoke with said they skip using four-ways altogether, saying careful driving in severe weather should be common sense.

“It’s a main focus that we’re all slowed down,” said Josh Good.

Nick Tellier said instead of using hazard lights, he simply adjusts his driving.

“I just drive like normal but I’m more cautious and slower,” he said.

“I never put my four-ways on when I’m driving.”

Ciliska added officers frequently see drivers using four-ways while still moving — both while on patrol and in his own personal driving — and most of the time, it’s handled through education rather than enforcement.

“It would more so be a warning,” he said.

“We’d have a quick talk and educate the public, because a lot of people think that’s what you’re supposed to do.”

According to OPP, four-ways are appropriate only when you are pulling off to the side of the road, stopped in a way that blocks a live lane, or approaching a specific hazard.

“If there’s some sort of obstruction in front of you and you’re warning people and you’re slowing down to stop, that’s a good time,” Ciliska said.

“Another would be if you’re pulling over because a police officer is behind you.”