When should you flash your brake light?

Flashing your brake light serves as a critical safety measure to communicate your intentions to other motorists, particularly when they might not expect you to stop. When you are about to stop and are being followed closely, activating your brake light increases visibility and alerts the driver behind you that you are slowing down. This proactive communication can help prevent accidents, especially in situations where sudden stops may catch following vehicles off-guard.

Turning left does not necessarily require you to flash your brake light, as the turn signal or hand signal is usually sufficient to indicate your intended direction. Seeing a stop sign prompts you to stop but does not specifically require you to flash your brake light unless you're anticipating a quick stop. Riding in heavy traffic is a broader scenario where it’s important to use signals; however, flashing your brake light is more critical in situations where your stopping action could be unexpected.