Can Hazard Lights Be Used During Heavy Rain on Highways?

[SanJuniper]

Traffic regulations state that hazard lights can be turned on during heavy rain and fog, but certain conditions must be met. If these conditions are not satisfied, hazard lights should only be used in emergencies, as usual. When encountering severe weather conditions such as rain, fog, or hail on highways with visibility below 100 meters, drivers must activate fog lights, low beams, marker lights, and hazard warning lights. 1. Prioritize Stability in Heavy Rain: Drive at low speeds during heavy rain, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid frequent lane changes, especially when overtaking large vehicles. The spray from large vehicles can obscure visibility for several seconds, increasing the risk of accidents. If stopping is necessary, begin decelerating and gently apply the brakes about 100 meters in advance to give following vehicles ample reaction time. 2. Maintain Clear Visibility: Keep windows closed during rainy weather. If the outside temperature is lower than inside, the windshield may fog up, impairing visibility. In such cases, turn on the air conditioner to direct cool air toward the windshield. If the rear windshield fogs up, activate the rear defroster to quickly clear condensation. 3. Watch for Pedestrians: Exercise extra caution around pedestrians during rain. Umbrellas and raincoats can limit pedestrians' vision and hearing, making them less aware of approaching vehicles until they are very close, which can lead to accidents. When encountering pedestrians, reduce speed and yield patiently, avoiding any competition for right-of-way with pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles. 4. Drive Slowly Through Water: If water on the road does not exceed half the height of the wheels, vehicles can usually pass through safely. Maintain a low gear and steady speed to ensure stable and smooth passage through standing water. Driving too fast can cause water to splash into the air intake, potentially leading to engine stalling. 5. Exercise Caution in Deep Water: Rainwater often conceals potholes or deep sections of the road. When approaching standing water, slow down and assess the situation before proceeding. If the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tire height, avoid crossing and seek an alternate route instead of forcing passage. 6. Do Not Restart After Stalling: If the vehicle stalls while passing through water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Wait for professional assistance or contact a repair shop or 4S service center. Restarting the engine can cause severe damage due to water compression in the cylinders, and insurance typically does not cover such operator-induced engine damage.

[DeLeila]

It's acceptable to turn on hazard lights during heavy rain on the highway. Having driven for over a decade, I always do this in such weather. Once on the Jingzhu Expressway during a downpour with visibility just tens of meters, activating hazard lights immediately made me feel safer as it alerts other vehicles to your presence, reducing rear-end collision risks. However, remember not to keep them on continuously - others won't see your turn signals when changing lanes, which could cause accidents. When rain isn't extremely heavy, prioritize using front/rear fog lights instead. Also reduce speed below 60 km/h, maintain 100+ meter following distance, and preferably enable anti-skid systems. Ultimately, safe driving relies on anticipating dangers and timely pulling over or resting.

[JasonRose]

As someone who frequently studies road safety, I believe using hazard lights during heavy rain on highways is acceptable, especially when visibility drops below 100 meters, as it increases visibility. However, hazard lights may obscure turn signals, potentially causing confusion during lane changes, so they should only be used briefly in emergencies. For regular driving, it's better to turn on fog lights and headlights, reduce speed, and maintain a steady pace while avoiding sudden braking. During heavy rain, also check your vehicle's lighting system, tire pressure, and wiper functionality to ensure all illumination systems are working properly. If the rain becomes too intense, stopping at the nearest service area is the safest option. This approach maximizes protection for everyone.

[MaryLee]

As an ordinary car owner, it's acceptable to turn on the hazard lights during heavy rain on the highway. It helps me be seen by vehicles behind, especially when the rain is so heavy that the road is barely visible—the hazard lights serve as a warning. However, don't forget that using hazard lights can interfere with turn signals, potentially causing others to misinterpret your lane-change intentions and increasing collision risks. Therefore, I only use them briefly during extremely heavy rain; fog lights are sufficient otherwise. Drive slower, increase following distance—that's the safest approach. Safety comes first; if the rain is too heavy, find a place to pull over.