Patent ID: 6879251

Claim:
An apparatus for automatically actuating a first hazard light in response to an electrical input signal generated within a safety system of a land vehicle having at least one safety system generating an electrical signal in response to a detected condition, wherein the first hazard light is in a first hazard light operating circuit including a current source and a manual switch, in which the manual switch is switchable between closed and open positions for respectively actuating and de-actuating the first hazard light, the apparatus comprising: an electronic switch arranged in a by-pass circuit with respect to the manual switch, switchable between a first position opening the by-pass circuit and a second position closing the by-pass circuit, wherein the by-pass circuit is operatively connected for electrically actuating the first hazard light when the electronic switch is in second position; a current source electrically connected to said electronic switch; at least one input signal source from the vehicle safety system selectively sending a shared signal to both the electronic switch and to a safety device other than the hazard light system, wherein said input signal source is selected from the group consisting of a signal triggering the deployment of an air bag, a signal triggering the deployment of a seat belt tensioning retractor system, a signal indicating rapid loss of tire pressure, a signal indicating a collision, or any combination thereof; and means in said electronic switch for closing the by-pass circuit in response to receiving said input signal, whereby the first hazard light is automatically actuated in response to the input signal.