Turn Signal Flasher Unit problems of the 1998 Ford Escort

When hazard flashers are on consumer can shift gears without applying the brakes. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.

When ever you use a turn signal or bright lights which are all built into the same arm will cause the lights to go out. I was lucky that I was on a lonely road at 3:00 am with my teen daughter when they went out for the 1st time. As I have 4 children and 2 parents to care for with a full time job and was away from home at the time to help my daughter. I was unable to get this taken care of until oct, 2001. I called in September and was unable to reach anyone until 10-3-2001. I feel that this is a defective thing as I have talked to other people that have had problems in the office with the Ford electrical. I am very concerned as all the dash lights go out as well as the head lights. As you do not have any warning that there is a problem until you are in the dark. In a moving vechical. I have not been able to drive this car in bad weather or at night do to this. If I hit a bump in the road it would knock the out too. As I was going back roads to get to my parents home to get my dad to the hospital I had no choice but to go on and I did not know what was happening. Nor was there anyone that I could call if I need to as there was not anything around.