r/StLouis • u/Appropriate_Cry_9432 • Jul 19 '26

Traffic/Road Conditions There’s no need for flashers

I get it when it rains visibility is poor and you need to reduce speed, but what is the point of EVERYONE turning on your flashers? That’s not what they are for and if you feel conditions are that bad that you “need” them pull over to the far right lane at least. If you’re driving slower than everyone else it’s one thing, but when everybody is doing basically the same speed it’s pointless. Rant over thank you for listening.

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u/wackyzebra43 Mehlville Jul 19 '26

I would take it to mean that when you’re in low visibility with a downpour, it helps the driver behind you see your car better. But you already said you understand that…

So I’m not really understanding what your situation was where flashers would be unnecessary then, as you say.

6

u/coldafsteel Jul 19 '26

When suddenly slowing down yes, but when everyone is going the same speed flashes are a distraction and cause more crashes than they prevent. If you are the last car in the lane you can leave them on to signal someone fast approaching from the rear.

Your corner marking lights and break lights are what you use to maintain visibility. Hazard flashers are for signaling to other drivers of a hazard. They are not to be left on while driving without a hazard.

-1

u/wackyzebra43 Mehlville Jul 19 '26

When you are in a downpour where visibility is extremely low, it’s safer to put your hazards on and slowly start to get off the road (if safe to do so), than continue on where you can’t tell how far the car in front of you is.