Is It Correct to Turn on Hazard Lights During Heavy Rain on Highways?
4 Answers
Whether to turn on hazard lights during heavy rain should be judged based on the actual situation. The criteria for judgment are visibility and lighting conditions, not simply whether it is raining heavily. Hazard lights should be activated when visibility drops below a certain level, as their purpose is to alert other drivers to take caution. On highways, hazard lights can be turned on when visibility is less than 100 meters. Here’s more relevant information: Hazard lights are generally unnecessary in urban areas. In fact, it’s important to distinguish between highway and city driving conditions. Urban roads typically have good lighting, so visibility is rarely severely reduced. Even during torrential rain, visibility in the city is unlikely to drop below 100 meters. Therefore, unless there are special circumstances, there’s no need to use hazard lights in urban areas. Moreover, city traffic is relatively complex, and using hazard lights may confuse following drivers about the intentions of the vehicle ahead. Thus, in urban driving, hazard lights are generally unnecessary.
Driving with hazard lights on during heavy rain on the highway doesn’t seem right to me, as I often take long-distance trips and encounter such weather frequently. Hazard lights are primarily meant for vehicle breakdowns or emergency stops. Using them while moving can mislead drivers behind into thinking my car is immobilized, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. I remember last year during a heavy downpour, a car ahead was flashing its hazard lights, and I thought it had broken down. When I slowed down and changed lanes, a truck behind nearly crashed into me—it was terrifying. Now, during heavy rain, I stick to using fog lights and low beams, which are specifically designed for low visibility. They clearly indicate that the vehicle is moving without obstructing others’ vision. The key is to slow down, maintain a safe distance, and avoid speeding. If the rain is too heavy to see the road clearly, it’s best to pull over at a rest area and wait for the rain to ease. Safety comes first—using hazard lights can actually cause more trouble, so it’s better to use the correct lights properly.
Using hazard lights in heavy rain on the highway is inappropriate in my opinion, as this habit can endanger both yourself and others. Hazard lights are meant to warn other drivers that your vehicle has a problem and is stopped, but driving with them on in the rain may mislead others into thinking your car is stationary, leading to misjudgment. I once witnessed an accident caused by a car with hazard lights on—others thought it had stopped, resulting in a rear-end collision and a chain reaction crash. In heavy rain, I recommend using fog lights or low beams, combined with slow driving, while maintaining a distance of at least 100 meters for better visibility. Don’t forget to set your wipers to the fastest speed, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns; if road conditions are poor, find a safe spot to pull over and wait for the rain to stop. Don’t be lazy about turning on your lights, but more importantly, don’t use the wrong ones. Normally, I’d advise paying attention to weather warnings and checking all your vehicle’s lights before heading out, including brake lights—these small details can be lifesavers in bad weather. Safe driving is built on attention to detail, so don’t let hazard lights mislead others.
When driving on the highway during heavy rain, I noticed many people like to turn on their hazard lights, but I really don't recommend doing this. Hazard lights are emergency signals, and using them while moving can confuse other drivers, making them think it's a parking warning, which actually increases the risk. Using fog lights is more appropriate—they're specifically designed for low visibility and won't confuse others. I remember during a heavy rain last time, I tried using hazard lights for a short stretch, and the car behind me honked aggressively to signal I was wrong—it was quite embarrassing. Later, I switched to fog lights and slowed down, and everything went much smoother. Also, remember not to use high beams in the rain, as they can cause glare and reduce visibility. Adjust tire pressure to maintain grip. I used to get caught out by these small habits, but now I make it a routine to check the weather app—if it's raining heavily, I just postpone my trip. Safety first.
