Light signals.

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Slider, Jan 31, 2008.

  1. Slider

    Slider Bobtail Member

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    Jan 28, 2008
    Toronto
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    I was just curious of all the light signals that truckers use. I often see guys blinkng each other in different ways and I was wondering if there were any codes or anything like that. There's a few that I've figured out. If one puts their 4 ways on after someone lets them switch lanes I assume that means thank you. I usually flash my beams to let the guy know he can come in when he has his turn signal on. But I was wondering if there were any secret codes, like certain number of flashes?
     
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  3. 379 Peterbilt

    379 Peterbilt Medium Load Member

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    Wisconsin
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    Usually when ya see the tail lights blinking/flashing momentarly, it means thanks, as you said.

    Please don't use your high beams to let a truck know if its okay to get back over. Your intentions are good and all, but the bright flash is a bit annoying. Best to just turn your headlights off for a second, if you can even do that in a 4 wheeler these days.
     
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  4. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    flashing all the trailer markers is the same as flasshing the 4 ways to say thanks. Just some of the trucks these days don't have the light circuits seperated enough to be able to flash the markers without turning the headlights off so they just hit the 4 ways.

    No codes though so don't worry about inadvertantly telling them where to go! or worse, inviting them for a date!!:biggrin_2559:

    and yes, don't use the brights. it always seems to be flashed just as you are looking in your mirior
     
  5. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    For me I just never had a problem with a 4 wheeler flashing to brights to signal me over. I do not stare in the mirror as I pass. I keep my eyes moving and I always signal before I come back over and when I come back over it is slow and deliberate so the other lane see's me coming over and can allow for it. Or two if something is there before I make the switch I have time to adjust. If I am looking in the mirror when they flash a simple glance into the darkness in the passenger window helps me get my night vision back. If I am not looking in the mirror when they flash it catches the corner of my eye and I start to look to see if I am in fact clear to come back over. I just don't stare into the reflection of the headlights like a deer. If I am approaching someone with brights on that will not dim. I focus on the right far side of the road on my passenger side. To keep my night vision. I adjust my surroundings to keep me safe. They may not drive defensively, but I do.
     
  6. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    There are no coded signals in "modern" times. On two-lane roads in the old days before CB, truckers used hand and light signals. The dome light would be turned at night to facilitate a hand signal. The first step was to flash the headlights to alert the approaching driver that a "message" is coming. Holding up a log book meant that the scales are checking paperwork. Palm up meant that the scales are weighing. One hand covering an eye meant that the approaching truck has a faulty headlight. Slamming a fist into the other hand meant there is an accident ahead.

    Truckers helped each other pass on two-lane roads. If the road continues to be safe for passing, the first truck to pass will hang over the center line with his left signal flashing. As the second truck pulls out to pass, the first truck will move to the right lane but continue flashing the left signal as long as it is safe to pass. The second trucker will do the same thing for the third truck to pass, etc. In the old days, this comradeship existed between men who had never met. They respected and helped others from the brotherhood.
     
  7. 379 Peterbilt

    379 Peterbilt Medium Load Member

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    '57, good post. I didn't even know half of that.
     
  8. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    Sort of depends on where you're driving. I drive in 3 countries, USA, Canada, and Quebec.
    USA; drivers [a lot] get bent out of shape if you use the hibeams to flash them in, so, like was said, turn your lights off momentarily. That is if it isn't a Canadian truck.
    Canada; momentarily flash your hibeams like in the old days. Yes, I think the old way is better.
    Quebec; alot of the drivers will switch on their left turn signal when you're clear. Sort of hard to see that at times, but the intent is at least there.

    Best thing is, when in Rome,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Personally, I prefer the high beams flashed, leaves no doubt in my mind what is being conveyed, and helps me to concentrate more on what is ahead rather than behind. I tend not to stare in the mirror at the vehicle just passed, but glance intermittently.
    Clear as mud, eh?:biggrin_25525:
     
  9. Slider

    Slider Bobtail Member

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    Jan 28, 2008
    Toronto
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    I had no idea it pissed some truckers off. I usually don't shine them, I just give a quick blink or two. They don't even light up fully for the amount of time I put them on. Maybe as Johnday says, it may be a Canadian thing. Because I've seen many truckers flash their beams when they're going in front of each other. I find that in Toronto most truckers will wait for you to either flash them or back up far enough that they know they can come in safely when the traffic is light. The problem with backing up or slowing down is that you have someone behind you who is impatient and get's right up your ### when you do that. Though at rush hour it's a different story wether you're up their side or not, they're coming in lol.
     
  10. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    Oh Yeah!! Toronto can be the mother of all joys at times!!:biggrin_255:
     
  11. truckerjaw

    truckerjaw Light Load Member

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    X's 2 -- I'm a 5 year driver and I didn't know most of that, Thanks for the info.
     
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