Emergency Flashers in Rain? - Page 2

**sourdough** · 09-25-2018, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

Fancy truck...

I got no AUTO light switch

Hey Javi. I'm going to double check that. When in FL the signs say "lights on when raining" or something like that. It rains quite often when we're there and when I turn on the wipers my headlight indicator comes on as well. I've not physically got out to see what's on but I think it's the headlights (as best as I can remember). I tried to check it out this evening but it was almost dark and I was in the garage so the auto setting just turned on the lights. I'll double check tomorrow in the daylight. The AUTO option is nice....FAR better than they were in the 70s.

Old Mustanger · 09-25-2018, 07:46 PM

Lights are always on when towing, and on in rain, fog or whatever the good Lord is throwing at us when not towing. I turn flashers on when coming up on a backup when towing and turn them off as soon as I can tell the traffic behind has slowed or stopped also.

**hankpage** · 09-25-2018, 07:59 PM

Getting back to the OP ... In many states Flashers are required if you are traveling under 45mph on a major highway in a commercial vehicle. (That is why you will see trucks using flashers while entering and exiting weigh stations.) Not sure if RVs fall under that.
Like Javi, the only automatic lights on my truck are interior when I open the doors.
Most states require headlights on with wipers or when visibility is below 500 or 1000 feet depending on state. It's also common sense. JM2¢, Hank

gearhead · 09-26-2018, 03:41 AM

Being a native Houstonian, I'm as likely to be driving in rain as not.
The wife's sister is that person....the wife has frequently told her to turn on her lights at dusk. "Why? I can see".
I'm just back from a 4,000 mile trip that it seemed to rain everyday. I thought I was going to see 2 Arkansas state troopers run over by a 18 wheeler. I-40, pouring rain, I see blue/red lights in the left lane, I move to the right, slow way down, flashers on, 18 wheeler passes me hauling butt. He apparently doesn't see what is happening. A car spun out and is in the grass median. Minivan almost stops across both lanes. 18 wheeler is still in the gas. Minivan is moving at about 5mph and the 18 wheeler finally realizes what's happening. He has nowhere to go and and gets hard on the brakes. Troopers see him coming and jump behind their cars. Somehow no one gets hit. Dumb butt 18 wheeler gets right back in the gas passing at 75mph in the rain with only parking lights on. I called 911 but I doubt they got him.
I can't stand to see someone with flashers on in the rain. It's like "we are ALL driving at 20mph, we don't need your flashers on". I turn mine on when there is a slowdown ahead, especially if I have the camper on or the 5th. I know cars can't see over me. If there are flashers on I assume there is an emergency ahead.
I'm getting to where I drive with lights on more often, especially on 2 lane roads with head on traffic.
Another thing I noticed on this last trip, some people don't pull over a lane for police on the side of the road. It's the law here. I try to pull over a lane for anyone on the side of the road.
I'm getting this "grumpy old man" thing down pretty good.

Racebug · 09-26-2018, 04:20 AM

The way I see it, if your uncomfortable driving within 5-10 MPH of the speed limit, maybe you should pull off the road till you are comfortable. Nothing like a moving obstacle in the road when its raining.

jsmith948 · 09-26-2018, 05:29 AM

Hold on...are you saying that, if the speed limit is 80mph as in several western states, I should be driving at least 75mph or "pull off the road"?

Sorry - I will drive at a safe and sensible speed - you can pass if you want.
Assuming you are paying attention, you should see the vehicle ahead and realize the speed differential in time to either slow down or go around.

During my tenure as an over the road driver, I came upon the aftermath of or witnessed the occurrence of enough wrecks to last me a very long time.

To quote an old biker friend of mine (which I have cleaned up for this family forum) - "Stuff happens and the faster you are going...the faster it happens"

JMHO - YMMV -

cshrader · 09-26-2018, 07:42 AM

Having flashers on in the rain drives me crazy too. Makes it almost impossible to tell when they are changing lanes or hitting the brakes. I know they think it makes them safer, but it does just the opposite. Makes it more dangerous for everyone.

Racebug · 09-26-2018, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmith948

Hold on...are you saying that, if the speed limit is 80mph as in several western states, I should be driving at least 75mph or "pull off the road"?

Sorry - I will drive at a safe and sensible speed - you can pass if you want.
Assuming you are paying attention, you should see the vehicle ahead and realize the speed differential in time to either slow down or go around.

During my tenure as an over the road driver, I came upon the aftermath of or witnessed the occurrence of enough wrecks to last me a very long time.

To quote an old biker friend of mine (which I have cleaned up for this family forum) - "Stuff happens and the faster you are going...the faster it happens"

JMHO - YMMV -

Fair enough. I haven't been out west on any of those roads yet so I didn't take that into account. But still would say if the speed limit is 80, and your going 65, I imagine that your impeding traffic flow. Not saying it is safe to pull a trailer over 65 if you don't feel comfortable. I was referring to mid-west highways with a 70 MPH speed limit. If its raining so hard that you wont drive over 45 mph for an extended distance, then its probably best you pull off the road. Myself included, I have done it once.

**flybouy** · 09-26-2018, 09:21 AM

And the People's Republic of Maryland states :
https://www.roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=93

gearhead · 09-26-2018, 10:01 AM

I wouldn't have a problem driving 65 in a 80. Just stay in the right lane.
I haven't been out there in a while but some parts of I-10 west of San Antonio MAY be 85. I think the toll road north of San Antonio is.
Regardless, the closing rate is fast, so all need to be careful.

wiredgeorge · 09-26-2018, 10:23 AM

The road from Seguin (toll road TX130) going north was 85 mph when it opened; used it once out of curiosity. I was on a Goldwing with the missus and it was raining and 40 degrees so the urge to go 85 mph wasn't there and i was about the only person on the road. That road is so far east of San Antonio, I think it was a poorly conceived route. Guess no one near the east side of San Antonio wanted that thing coming through their yard.

The speed limit in IH10 going west past Kerrville is 80mph and I am not sure I have ever seen 85 posted on IH10 anywhere only on the toll road TX130 which I mentioned above. That is just too darn fast, even on a limited access road... Going out west on Hwy 90 which is basically pretty lonely and dead straight, I set the cruise on the Goldwing to 80 (highest speed you can set it) and can cruise comfy but 85 is starting to scare an old man because most everybody is passing me anyway.

gearhead · 09-26-2018, 12:35 PM

It's been 25 years since I've been on I-10 west of San Antonio. Not much out there I'm interested in. Maybe a trip to Big Bend sometime.
80 is a bit much for me in a truck, even empty. Now some past cars I've had, 80 is OK.
I've never been on the toll road, ought to do it I guess just because.

wiredgeorge · 09-26-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhead

It's been 25 years since I've been on I-10 west of San Antonio. Not much out there I'm interested in. Maybe a trip to Big Bend sometime.
80 is a bit much for me in a truck, even empty. Now some past cars I've had, 80 is OK.
I've never been on the toll road, ought to do it I guess just because.

West Texas is full of great things to see and do! Well, there is... never mind, something may come to me later bwhahahaha. TX130 you can roll right through any toll places and they send you a bill in the mail; kinda funny, ain't it? I sold a Ford pickup to a fella from DFW area. He chose to zoom up on the toll TX130 and ran the toll booths and the bill came to me even though I had filled out a 130U and submitted ONLINE at the time of sale the change of owner form. Still had to pay.

travelin texans · 09-26-2018, 01:00 PM

West of San Antonio on I-10 if you're only doing 80-85 mph you're impeding traffic, truckers will be passing you!

wiredgeorge · 09-26-2018, 03:13 PM

I road my 1980 GS1000G out IH10. That thing has an 85 mph speedometer and I kept it pegged and felt like I was riding nekkid and semi trucks passed me on each long downhill grade. Never again. There are other roads for us old folks who don't appreciate the wind in your face; especially if the wind is over 80 mph!

gearhead · 09-26-2018, 06:35 PM

Y'all ever tried wearing sunglasses in heavy rain? Works pretty good for me. I guess it knocks back that white/gray color a bit. I usually use smoke gray lenses, not sure if other colors would work. I just got new prescription Ray Bans and they work good in the rain.

**flybouy** · 09-26-2018, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearhead

Y'all ever tried wearing sunglasses in heavy rain? Works pretty good for me. I guess it knocks back that white/gray color a bit. I usually use smoke gray lenses, not sure if other colors would work. I just got new prescription Ray Bans and they work good in the rain.

When I was still flying I used Ray Ban Ambermatic sunglasses. Best glasses ever. The amber enhanced and sharpened images if fog, rain, even at night then they would turn dark in sun and block out the glare.