Should drivers turn on their hazard lights in the rain? What NC state law & officials say

Driving in the rain can be extremely dangerous, and there are a lot of ways for drivers to stay safe on the road to avoid a crash — including driving slowly and keeping distance from other cars.

It’s also common to see drivers in North Carolina turn on their hazard lights during heavy rain. But is it required, or even recommended?

No.

While some may want to think turning hazard lights on can be helpful to themselves and other drivers during a storm, state law enforcement officials say it can actually do more harm than good.

“From a safety standpoint … we would advise against traveling with four-way flashers activated during inclement weather,” Sgt. Marcus Bethea with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety told The Charlotte Observer. “The flashing lights can become more of a distraction to other motorists that are trying to concentrate on driving safely.”

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says drivers do not have to turn on their hazard lights during a storm.

In fact, in some states it’s actually illegal.

Why is it illegal to turn on hazard lights during storms in some states?

“While some states prohibit the use of four-way flashers while in motion, North Carolina is an exception and does not have a statute that prohibits this practice,” Bethea explained. “The use of these lights while in motion, during poor visibility, can result in motorists perceiving vehicles ahead with flashers activated as possibly being stopped and not moving, which ultimately slows traffic even more and can result in rear-end collisions in the already less than favorable conditions.”

According to AAA, drivers should only use their hazard lights during an emergency, like if your car has broken down.

“Using your hazard lights while driving on the other hand, can distract or confuse others on the road,” a AAA blog post states. “If you truly feel conditions warrant the need for hazard lights, consider stopping and waiting out the weather, as the low visibility may make driving too dangerous. ”

Should you turn on headlights while driving in the rain?

However, drivers must turn on their headlights, as required by North Carolina law, when using the windshield wipers.

Officials also say it’s the best way to ensure better visibility during a storm, and can reduce the risk of an accident on the road.

So the next time you’re driving through a storm, here are some additional tips NCDOT recommends to stay safe behind the wheel:

• Slow down and allow more time to reach your destination.

• Stay alert and be ready for sudden stops or changes in road conditions.

• Allow at least twice the normal following distance between vehicles.

• Signal for turns and brake earlier than usual.

• Turn on your low-beam headlights and use the defroster to increase visibility.

This story was originally published September 15, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Should drivers turn on their hazard lights in the rain? What NC state law & officials say."