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Are there different interpretations of flashing your headlights to other road users?
In regard to your answer to the query headed "Off Beam", whilst signalling by flashing is just a warning, I have always understood that flashing, i.e. two quick bursts of headlamps, signify the intention to allow another driver out, while a sustained burst (holding the lever back for, say five seconds) means "I am coming through myself, keep back.” I don't know that there is a parallel to horn use, but the held light certainly implies a warning, like a loud sustained horn blast.
Asked on 11 July 2011 by AS, Frome
Answered by
Honest John
What you write is logical but it can be meant and interpreted differently and that's more than a bit of a problem. So unless it's obvious from something else, such as the flashing vehicle slowing, better to interpret a flash as a warning and use other means to signal drivers out. For instance on the motorway, as on a track day, a left indicator can signal another driver to pass you. If you are at really high speed on a German Autobahn with your headlights already on and something in front signals to pull out a sustained blast of the horn should keep them in.
Tags:
driving techniques
headlights
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