When should you use your brake lights?

Using brake lights is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road. They serve as a critical safety feature, alerting vehicles behind you when you are slowing down or stopping. The correct answer emphasizes that you should use your brake lights while turning off the road, even if there isn’t a designated turn or exit lane. This action provides a clear signal to other drivers that you are changing your direction, which helps to prevent collisions.

Using brake lights in situations other than those specified can lead to misunderstandings among drivers. For instance, limiting their use only to stopping completely might not adequately inform others that you are slowing down, particularly in scenarios where you're decelerating for a turn or maneuver. Similarly, the idea of using brake lights only in heavy traffic doesn’t account for safer driving practices in all scenarios, including less congested areas. Hence, the correct approach is to consistently use brake lights whenever you're reducing speed or making directional changes, ensuring that all road users are aware of your movements for a safer driving environment.