Coming home this weekend we hit heavy rain and the same thing with the person in front of us. Traffic was moving and the flashers were very distracting, so I closed my eyes
Curious if this is in the DMV driving manual
this is from the NYS DMV website and not once does it mention to use your flashers
DRIVING IN RAIN, FOG, OR SNOW
Experienced drivers know that even just a thin coating of rain, snow or ice makes roads slippery. And wet leaves can be especially slippery and hazardous. You can improve your driving safety by slowing down under these conditions and by increasing your following distance (see Chapter 8). Be extra careful on curves, turns and expressway ramps.
In heavy rain, your vehicle's tires may begin to actually ride on the water lying on top of the road pavement. This "hydroplaning" can cause complete loss of traction and steering control. Hydroplaning usually occurs at higher speeds, but it also can occur if your vehicle's tires are tread worn or improperly inflated. When there is heavy rain, it is almost always wise to drive more slowly. If your vehicle begins losing traction, slow down even more. Good tires with deep tread help prevent hydroplaning.
Rain, fog, or snow makes it harder to see out through your vehicle's windshield, and difficult for other drivers to see you. New York State law requires you to turn on your vehicle's headlights whenever the weather conditions would ordinarily require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet, and other precipitation. "Daytime running lights" do not qualify as headlights. If your windshield wipers cause streaks or smears, the blades must be replaced.
High headlight beams reflect off rain, fog and falling snow. This makes it even harder for you to see where you are going. For better visibility during these weather conditions, keep your vehicle's headlights on low beam. Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further ahead of time than usual to give other drivers and roadway users increased warning. Brake early when slowing behind another vehicle or coming to an intersection stop.
Some vehicles have front fog lights, or front and rear fog lights, for use when heavy fog or similar hazardous weather conditions seriously restrict the driver's visibility. In New York State, all fog lights must be properly installed and of a type approved by the Commissioner of DMV. Front fog lights may be amber or white in color. Rear fog lights must be red and may be larger than the vehicle's regular taillights - they are intended to give advanced warning of your vehicle's presence to the drivers behind you. When visibility improves, you should switch off your vehicle's rear fog lights to reduce the glare that might affect other drivers.