Hail has become a serious concern for car owners across several states, with some drivers in Texas so anxious about the storm that they gathered beneath an overpass—directly in the path of oncoming traffic. These motorists were not merely parked improperly in a restricted area; their vehicles occupied the entire roadway, preventing traffic from moving through the opposite lane. Unsurprisingly, the incident left many online observers both stunned and deeply frustrated that anyone would take such a dangerous and disruptive risk.
The video was uploaded to Facebook by Storm Chaser Scott Sweeney and later 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 wrote, clearly frustrated by the drivers’ actions. Of the millions who watched the clip, thousands agreed that parking beneath the overpass was both reckless 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 Overpasses Is Not as Safe as Many People Think
Several commenters began debating why parking under an overpass during a tornado or severe windstorm can be especially dangerous, using the point to further criticize the Texas drivers. However, one Reddit user offered a compelling perspective, writing, “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 added that it is irresponsible to put other people’s safety at risk simply to avoid paying a hail-damage deductible.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Media and Communications Office, parking under an overpass to avoid hail is illegal, and drivers may be cited for doing so. “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. Safer alternatives include pulling into a gas station canopy, a covered parking area, or another secure location near an exit.
As both the officer and the Reddit commenter point out, parking under an overpass during a hailstorm may seem like a safe and sensible choice. However, doing so can create serious traffic congestion, which poses the greater danger and may lead to “major vehicle damage, people being injured or even fatal crashes.”
