Flashing Lights to Change Lanes

It's just a sign of courtesy and gratitude in an otherwise really hateful world nowadays.

 

Why Not flash a guy back In? Don't turn your lights off flash your high beams. I can tell Ive cleared a truck too but knowing that the guy behind me is giving me the go ahead confirms that i cleared in case my depth perception is off on a rainy day or at night,it also lets me know he has a space cushion that he is comfortable with between he and I. LIke PackRat said its about being courteous its something we do to keep us going on the highway no different then waving at anyone who passes you or flashing the markers to thank someone for letting you in.

 

I mainly do it when there is a 4-wheelie tailgating the passing truck, as the truck clears me enough to give room for the 4-wheelie to shoot over.
Don't know how many times I've seen a 4-wheelie almost eat a DOT bumper because they are too impatient and try to cut around the passing truck on the right, just as the truck is starting to move over.

I also do it more in bad weather or at night because visability is so poor.

As to flashing the brights, I don't. Some drivers are more sensitive to light, and I don't want to cause them a loss of vision even for a moment.

 

it does seem unnecessary a lot of the time. when i am passing, i don't even look at the headlights of the truck i am passing. i look in my fender mirror, and as soon as i don't see them in it, i move over. that's how i was taught. there are times when i appreciate the flash, and that is when visibility is really bad due to weather, like rain or snow. or, when the road is curving off to the left as i am passing and i can't quite judge the distance and see where the other vehicle i am passing is at. then it makes sense. but on a flat straight road in good weather? what's the point? good manners, i guess. i don't need it though. old timers get pissed i guess, and start griping about how "things aint like they used to be!"

 

Like others said its a courtesy, just confirms your safe to move over. I flash on and off. Never flash brights, I know how bad it bothers me.

 

Light sensitivity is true ive had days when highbeams kill me. Ive seen a car almost eat a bumper a couple days ago i was in the slow lane getting passed and as soon as the truck cleared me and put his signal on a four wheeler right on his back door jumps over in front of me then slams on the brakes to keep from hitting the trailer i knew it was coming and slowed down the moment i saw the impatient #######.

 

Don't use your high beams to flash at night. That's not cool.

If you're in a company truck at 62, and I buzz by you at 75. You're welcome to skip it, there just isn't any point.

It is just a courtesy to the other drivers, nothing more. And certainly not mandatory. But, I sure think a whole lot less of the guys who don't do it in traffic.

 

Years ago, when we mostly ran 2 lane roads and it took longer to pass,before CB's, with trucks having half the horsepower we now have, AND fewer/poorer mirrors, it was more important to blink another truck over after he safely cleared you. It was nearly always done and appreciated. We looked out for each other a liitle more than some do today.
Now, it may not be as needed, but it is still a courtesy,a friendly gesture, just a good thing to do. There are times when I appreciate another set of eyes telling me the coast is clear. With all this traffic now, every little bit helps.

But if you feel you are above common courtesy / helping another driver in some small way, I do understand. See it every day.