Hail has been quite a concern for car owners across several states, with drivers in Texas so anxious that they’ve huddled up beneath an overpass, facing oncoming traffic. These drivers weren’t just parked the wrong way in a place they shouldn’t have been parking; their vehicles took up the whole road, blocking traffic from passing through in the opposite lane. Needless to say, the internet was both flabbergasted and very frustrated that anyone would do this.
The video was uploaded by Storm Chaser Scott Sweeney on Facebook and reposted on r/dashcams by Affectionate_Hat5835. “Bridge Bozos. Underpass Oafs. Or perhaps you prefer the simple term ‘morons.’ Smooth-brained people who sit under overpasses during storms,” he remarked, undoubtedly annoyed by the drivers. Among the millions who viewed the clip, thousands agreed that the parked drivers’ behavior was both foolish and dangerous.
“I hate dealing with hail damage with insurance companies too. But don’t do this,” wrote a Redditor. “Absolutely. Dangerous for everyone, including them,” agreed another. “Can’t imagine many people this selfish,” sighed a third. “How is this large of a group just acting like npcs?” questioned a fourth.
Parking Beneath Underpasses Is Not as Safe Than People Think
A handful of commenters began arguing about why parking under an underpass would be more dangerous during a tornado or storm with high winds in an attempt to further criticize the Texas drivers. However, one Reddit user made a solid point, saying, “The danger is that you’re blocking the road for everybody else and stranding people in potentially dangerous weather that everyone could just drive out of. This includes emergency services.” They continue, saying it’s wrong to endanger others’ safety just to avoid paying a hail deductible.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Media and Communications, parking under an overpass to avoid hail is indeed illegal, and the drivers can be cited. “It’s code 545.302 in the transportation code. It’s parking where places are prohibited,” explained Sgt. Bryan Washko, courtesy of 25 News KXXV. The best places to park instead would be a gas station awning or other nearby safe stops near an exit.
Like both the officer and Reddit commenter point out, parking under overpasses seems like a safe and smart move during a hailstorm. However, doing so will only cause traffic congestion, which is the real danger and can result in “major vehicle damage, people being injured or even fatal crashes.”
