What should you do if you see a vehicle on the shoulder of the highway with its hazard lights on?

When you encounter a vehicle on the shoulder of the highway with its hazard lights on, the appropriate response is to slow down and proceed carefully without stopping. This action is important for several reasons. First, you are helping to ensure the safety of both yourself and the occupants of the disabled vehicle. By reducing your speed, you minimize the risk of a collision, as the presence of hazard lights typically indicates that the vehicle may be either disabled or in a hazardous situation.

Additionally, other vehicles may also be near the situation, and slowing down allows for greater awareness and reaction time to any unexpected movements or obstacles. While stopping to offer assistance may seem considerate, it can create additional hazards, especially on a busy highway where traffic is flowing. Ignoring the vehicle or continuing at normal speed could endanger everyone on the road, and attempting to drive in the opposite lane may not always be safe or feasible, depending on the road conditions and traffic laws. Therefore, slowing down and cautiously proceeding is the best practice when you see a vehicle with its hazard lights on.