u/local-red-panda

During the heavy rainstorms yesterday, about half of traffic on 495 decided to turn on their four-way flashers for every heavy bout of rain.

This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! I'm shocked by the number of drivers who do so these days.

1. It's already raining hard - we know that! Other drivers do not need 4-way flashers to know it's raining.
2. It's dangerous - period.
   1. It disables turn signals.
   2. It creates confusion.
   3. It impairs distance perception.
3. It's illegal to have them on when driving over 30mph (§ 46.2-1040. Hazard lights)
4. I guess don't just believe me, here's AccuWeather: Why it's not safe to flash hazard lights while driving in the rain.
5. We know it's a problem! Don't just believe me!
   1. r/NOVA from 2022 (link)
   2. r/Virginia from 2024 (link)
   3. r/NOVA ... from 12 days ago! (link)
   4. r/NOVA ... from 13 YEARS ago (link)

I doubt law enforcement will help this, given they've yet to solve traffic safety issues in NOVA (even though enforcements are slowly increasing per Virginia Center for Investigation After police reforms, Virginia traffic stops increase, Feb 2026).

So please, next time you're with your family or friends - highlight the danger!