Why do Taxi drivers always use hazard lights?

herbie747 · 11-01-2004 11:39pm #1

Does anyone know why the hell taxi drivers always use their hazard lights when they pull in? Why can't they just indicate? At least that would give the driver behind them some sort of "indication" as to what their intentions are.
It's as if they are using their hazrd lights for the sake of being dangerous. And they never indicate out either....makes no sense. There's nothing wrong with indicating, then pulling in - which they don't seem capable of doing. Why the hazard lights? They are creating a hazard by using them.

If anyone here is a taxi driver, or knows one, ask them why they are so ignorant.
Thanks.

Seth Brundle · 11-01-2004 11:53pm

I don't mind them using their hazards - I just dislike the way the slam on the brakes whilst doing it!

herbie747 · 12-01-2004 12:41am

Would it not be better if they used their indicators?
Hazard lights aren't meant to be used when pulling over - that's what indicators are for. I just don't see their logic.

Seth Brundle · 12-01-2004 1:13am

my point was that I don't mind them using hazards as generally they don't use anything. Either way they usually just stop in traffic.

Tommy Vercetti · 12-01-2004 3:41am

Originally posted by herbie747
Would it not be better if they used their indicators?
Hazard lights aren't meant to be used when pulling over - that's what indicators are for. I just don't see their logic.

They don't do logic, something to do with deregulation.

herbie747 · 12-01-2004 10:29am

Originally posted by Tommy Vercetti
They don't do logic, something to do with deregulation.

I suppose - if they had any sort of brain that worked properly, they wouldn't be driving a taxi. Must be all the alcohol and curries that kills brain cells, and then the only job left that they have the aptitude for is driving - and they still can't to that with any sort of competence.

Sleipnir · 12-01-2004 10:32am

Hazard lights give taxi drivers the right to do anything at anytime for no reason whatsoever.

an_taoiseach · 12-01-2004 11:24am

Why do Taxi Drivers think that they dont have to use seat belts ?

( that is excluding the female of the species who seems to have no problem in this regard )

Come to think of it the few female taxi drivers that I have come across have been very good

An T

Sleipnir · 12-01-2004 11:29am

Well they don't have to under the law.
Although why they wouldn't is beyond me.

herbie747 · 12-01-2004 12:18pm

Originally posted by Kananga
Well they don't have to under the law.
Although why they wouldn't is beyond me.

Because if they had a brain, they would have a job that requires the use of it.

Also, why can't they STFU? I don't want to hear their racist slurs, and they also just presume you follow soccer - "Did you see the match?" ....... What match? And what sport? Rugby? Soccer? GAA? Do I care?

GreeBo · 12-01-2004 12:26pm

They dont wear seat-belts so they can escape from the Taxi if they get attacked.

herbie747 · 12-01-2004 12:27pm

Good point.

DrummerBoy · 12-01-2004 12:57pm

Originally posted by redoxan
They dont wear seat-belts so they can escape from the Taxi if they get attacked.

And because the seat belt can be used to choke them!!

MarkR · 12-01-2004 1:33pm

Originally posted by herbie747
Why the hazard lights? They are creating a hazard by using them.

I always find that people using hazard lights are just letting us all know they are going to do something really stupid.

MojoMaker · 12-01-2004 2:40pm

Originally posted by herbie747
Does anyone know why the hell taxi drivers always use their hazard lights when they pull in? Why can't they just indicate? At least that would give the driver behind them some sort of "indication" as to what their intentions are.
It's as if they are using their hazrd lights for the sake of being dangerous. And they never indicate out either....makes no sense. There's nothing wrong with indicating, then pulling in - which they don't seem capable of doing. Why the hazard lights? They are creating a hazard by using them.

If anyone here is a taxi driver, or knows one, ask them why they are so ignorant.
Thanks.

You're not a driver are you? The use of hazards is a universal driving signal to other users that the vehicle in question is slowing down with a view to stopping. A single indicator does not always convey the intention to stop, merely to to turn. This use of hazards is a lot more common on the continent where it is accepted road practice to warn other roads users behind of impending traffic jams, accidents, or other reasons for sudden deceleration and eventual stopping. In this instance the use of hazards by taxi drivers indicates stopping for a period of time, not merely pulling to the side, and as such is quite correct practice. Just we in this country are perhaps not as aware of this as in other countries.

Doctor J · 12-01-2004 3:04pm

They use hazard lights because they are letting you know they are a hazard. They are a hazard to you. They are a hazard to your car. They are a hazard to the cyclist they nearly drove over. They are a hazard to the pedestrian they almost hit. They are a hazard to us all. But hey, at least they let you know. Don't be so ungrateful

herbie747 · 12-01-2004 4:02pm

Originally posted by MojoMaker
You're not a driver are you? The use of hazards is a universal driving signal to other users that the vehicle in question is slowing down with a view to stopping. A single indicator does not always convey the intention to stop, merely to to turn. This use of hazards is a lot more common on the continent....

First off - I am a driver, that's why it annoys me. I'm driving along behind a taxi..and BANG! - hazard lights on. Which way is he going? - they don't always pull in! I already know he's slowing down, because his brake lights tell me that, but common sense should tell him to INDICATE his intentions. Quite simple.

The use of hazards is a universal driving signal to other users that the vehicle in question is slowing down with a view to stopping.

No it's not - at least not in this country (and I seriously doubt your average Joe ignoramous taxi driver is versed in the ways of the continent): brake lights let the driver behind know you are slowing down and stopping. Hazard lights are for hazards - e.g. being towed, car broken down on motorway, some idiots even use them to draw attention to the fact that they are parked illegally. But they aren't used for stopping - that's just crazy talk, man!

rubadub · 12-01-2004 4:11pm

Originally posted by Kananga
Hazard lights give taxi drivers the right to do anything at anytime for no reason whatsoever.

yep just like construction workers magical yellow bibs which let them jay walk and stop traffic at will, bit like a superman cape

Neil_Sedaka · 23-01-2004 7:31am

Originally posted by herbie747

I suppose - if they had any sort of brain that worked properly, they wouldn't be driving a taxi. Must be all the alcohol and curries that kills brain cells, and then the only job left that they have the aptitude for is driving - and they still can't to that with any sort of competence.

Because if they had a brain, they would have a job that requires the use of it

your average Joe ignoramous taxi driver

A close relation of mine is a Taxi driver so I take great offence to this, if you feel that way about them how about never getting into a taxi again, you could have your own little protest!

herbie747 · 23-01-2004 7:29pm

I don't get into Taxi's. I prefer not to partake in racist and/or football and/or ignorant political conversation. I'm complaining about having to share the roads with them and their irrational maneouvres.

Maybe ask your relative "Why do Taxi drivers always use hazard lights?", and explain all my points to him.
Thanks.
Get back to me if he has anything intelligent or logical to say on the matter, other than "UGH", or "Oi'll bait him for sayin' tha!"

Neil_Sedaka · 23-01-2004 7:38pm

OK I'll do that for you :rolleyes:

Zascar · 23-01-2004 8:35pm

Because if they had a brain, they would have a job that requires the use of it.

LOL! I agree... I think its hallerious how the majority of taxi drivers, who's profession is driving, are some of the worst drivers on the road... The '"I can do anything when I have my hazard lights on" attitude drives me nuts, as does the "I have a lane of my own, (bus lane) but I still like to drive in the middle of both lanes so no one can get past at all..." Where I live there are lots of little one way streets with parking on either side, and taxi's constantly think they can just stop to let someone out, sometimes for ages, not caring about the line of traffic building up behind them, not able to move intil they do... so ignorant...

Capt'n Midnight · 23-01-2004 9:23pm

Originally posted by MojoMaker
You're not a driver are you? The use of hazards is a universal driving signal to other users that the vehicle in question is slowing down with a view to stopping. A single indicator does not always convey the intention to stop, merely to to turn. This use of hazards is a lot more common on the continent where it is accepted road practice to warn other roads users behind of impending traffic jams, accidents, or other reasons for sudden deceleration and eventual stopping. In this instance the use of hazards by taxi drivers indicates stopping for a period of time, not merely pulling to the side, and as such is quite correct practice. Just we in this country are perhaps not as aware of this as in other countries.

I just can't believe that post - I must be reading it wrong..

If the taxi is MOVING
Why not just press gently on the brake pedal - brake lights go on - everyone knows you are slowing down / stopping - you can indicate too !

Hazards would be used when driving continuously slowly - ie stuck in first gear / broken windscreen.

Hazards should be turned off / hand signals used when turning other wise you are a danger to other road users (~80% of accidents at junctions) more so than if you had not turned on the hazards in the first place.

If I read it right you claim that you can turn/stop suddenly because you have Hazards on instead of warning with indicators or brake lights !!!!!

I hope I have misread your post as I consider driving practises like that far more dangerous than using brake lights and indicator at the same time. (and if someone brakes and indicates at same time then I will prepare to either overtake if they do pull in or stop if they stop at the side of the road instead of rubbernecking to see where the hazard is)

If the taxi has ALREADY stopped
then of course you can turn on the hazards as everyone in Dublin knows you can double park / park on double yellows for quite a while if you have hazards on.

ando · 23-01-2004 11:07pm

Originally posted by herbie747
in racist and/or football and/or ignorant political conversation.

I suppose - if they had any sort of brain that worked properly, they wouldn't be driving a taxi. Must be all the alcohol and curries that kills brain cells

Jesus, what crawled up your as$ and bit ya? You won't contribute to 'racist footbal, or ignorant political conversation'... I think your being mighty ignorant yourself, in posting stuff like that.

'if they had any sort of brain' ... FFS man, get off your high horse

Tommy Vercetti · 24-01-2004 12:46am

I don't see what the problem is here...if you're driving behind a bus or taxi you should be anticipating that they are likely to stop anyway. It's basic driving knowledge. Methinks you're just looking for another reason to complain about taxi drivers.

Capt'n Midnight · 24-01-2004 12:56am

Buses use brake lights and indicators and stop at Bus stops. It's been a long time since buses opened their doors between stops. Buses are fairly predicatable and stop frequently.

I'll bet any money the average journey in a Taxi is further than the distance between two bus stops..

Hang on a moment ..

Does this mean that if bicycles have indicators they can just have them flashing all the time and drivers will know the bike may pull in / stop / keep moving slowly and hand signals won't be needed etc. ?????

Capt'n Midnight · 24-01-2004 1:07am

Have to agree about women taxi drivers being competent etc.

Come to think of it the few female taxi drivers that I have come across have been very good

An T

/me bites tongue

TomF · 26-01-2004 7:43pm

Actually, they aren't "hazard lights" but "double-parking lights." I also notice that women in Cork use them a lot, and maybe that is why they always run from the car to wherever they are going, and then run back to the car from where they were.

Capt'n Midnight · 26-01-2004 8:18pm

Originally posted by Capt'n Midnight
ALREADY stopped then of course you can turn on the hazards as everyone in Dublin knows you can double park / park on double yellows for quite a while if you have hazards on.

Victor · 26-01-2004 10:38pm

Originally posted by TomF
Actually, they aren't "hazard lights" but "double-parking lights." I also notice that women in Cork use them a lot, and maybe that is why they always run from the car to wherever they are going, and then run back to the car from where they were.

While in between stopping to chat for 15 minutes

sceptre · 27-01-2004 10:50pm

Originally posted by TomF
Actually, they aren't "hazard lights" but "double-parking lights." I also notice that women in Cork use them a lot, and maybe that is why they always run from the car to wherever they are going, and then run back to the car from where they were.

Putting on your hazard lights while stopped helps you get to the nail bar or shoemaker faster. It's like a baseball cap for people who don't have a baseball cap.

Dr. Dre · 28-01-2004 9:00am

Originally posted by herbie747
I suppose - if they had any sort of brain that worked properly, they wouldn't be driving a taxi. Must be all the alcohol and curries that kills brain cells, and then the only job left that they have the aptitude for is driving - and they still can't to that with any sort of competence.

[sic]

Worst. Hypothesis. Ever.

MojoMaker · 28-01-2004 1:03pm

Most of you guys have never driven outside of Ireland have you? And, no, I don't mean hiring a car for a week on the Costa del Sol.

The use of hazard warning lights is very common throughout Europe as an indication of rapid deceleration with a view to coming to a stop. For example it is accepted road etiquette on French & Spanish motorways/dualcarriagways to use the hazard lights when encountering an unexpected traffic jam/accident site etc. This signals to the driver(s) behind that your vehicle will be slowing down unexpectedly and preparing to come to a full stop in a location otherwise not suitable for stopping a car. The use of hazard lights by taxi driver or other professional drivers is to warn drivers behind that an unexpected manoevre *may* about to be made with little or no warning.

Obviously this involves use of the brake lights, otherwise you're not bringing the car to a stop so that comment is complete bollocks. The difference between this and simply using the indicator is that in Ireland indicators are rarely paid any attention and you get drivers riding right up your hole when about to make a turn/manoevre. The use of the hazard lights acts as an extra way to indicate the suddeness of a particular action, sadly it is often needed in this country because people often don't accord each other the time & space to execute some traffic manoevres. The reason you don't see buses doing it often is that each and every bus stopping point is clearly designated well in advance - a fact that won't have escaped the good drivers on this forum. Ergo a bus does not have to apply hazard lights when pulling into a bus stop.

From the tone and nature of the original post and some subsequent back-slapping replies it is quite obvious that the intent of the poster was to criticise taxi drivers in general and not really about making a point regarding the use/non-use of hazard warning lights. Get over the BS lads. They're not perfect, but then as a driver neither are you. Stop thinking like a 21yr old.

Saruman · 30-01-2004 1:48pm

Originally posted by redoxan
They dont wear seat-belts so they can escape from the Taxi if they get attacked.

True, got a taxi recently and he did not put his seatbelt on till both of us did and he realised we were just 2 nice guys going to the airport so he was happy to wear it then.

Seth Brundle · 30-01-2004 4:56pm

Originally posted by MojoMaker
Most of you guys have never driven outside of Ireland have you? And, no, I don't mean hiring a car for a week on the Costa del Sol.

The use of hazard warning lights is very common throughout Europe as an indication of rapid deceleration with a view to coming to a stop. For example it is accepted road etiquette on French & Spanish motorways/dualcarriagways to use the hazard lights when encountering an unexpected traffic jam/accident site etc. This signals to the driver(s) behind that your vehicle will be slowing down unexpectedly and preparing to come to a full stop in a location otherwise not suitable for stopping a car. The use of hazard lights by taxi driver or other professional drivers is to warn drivers behind that an unexpected manoevre *may* about to be made with little or no warning.

That is all well and good but I believe we are not in France or Spain. We are in Ireland and despite the fact that most Irish drivers can't drive for s**t, this does not give taxi drivers a green flag to import foreign methods.

Furthermore, many taxi drivers hit the hazards as they are stopping (often v. quickly), not because of a hazard but because they are picking up a fare. They are creating a hazard by parking in the middle of moving traffic but the way they stop is just downright dangerous to other road users and should not be tolerated by any road users.

MojoMaker · 30-01-2004 6:06pm

Agreed - taxi driver's driving is often appalling, but that wasn't the point of the thread. For those you that wandered off topic into the realm of slagging taxi drivers (again) there was a reminder that the topic was about the use of hazard lights, which was explained I think. If you want to start a thread slagging them off at least don't hide behind a reasonable subject.

Most of them are quite poor drivers as far as observation, awareness, and courtesy go, no doubt about that.

Why do Taxi drivers always use hazard lights?

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