Expert Advice: The Dangers Of Driving With Hazard Lights On In Texas

Texas has a received a lot of rain lately! It's important for Texans to know how to use their hazard lights.

Recently, while driving in a rainy downpour, a car in front of me was driving with its hazard lights on. My frustration led me to research if driving with hazard lights on was legal in Texas. To my surprise, yes, it is. 

But because it is legal, experts don't recommend it for the following reasons.

1. Drivers need to know if you are turning. Hazard lights disable the turn signals, leaving other drivers unable to tell if you are turning.
2. Blinking hazard lights confuse other drivers by being unable to tell if you are braking or stopping.
3. Other drivers come up on your vehicle, and it causes them to hit their brakes to slow down, which can create a chain reaction, especially on slick roads.

So, even if it is not illegal to drive with hazard lights in Texas, experts recommend you don't do it, according to Accuweather.com. 

 "Hazard lights are for vehicles that are stopped and pulled over on the side of the road. It is not for moving vehicles," Public Safety Information Coordinator Eddy Durkin said.

"So - regardless of the weather conditions - if you are driving a moving vehicle, do not activate your flashing lights; it will only confuse and compromise your safety,"

If it is raining so heavily that you have a hard time seeing, it is recommended that you slow down, create more distance between other vehicles, or exit the roadway and pull over until the rain slows up.

Experts say you should only drive with hazard lights in a funeral procession.