Flashers or no Flashers?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by jerezxp7, May 14, 2015.

  1. jerezxp7

    jerezxp7 Medium Load Member

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    I personally do not use my emergency flashers unless its an emergency going up a hill slow is not an emergency. Im wondering what is the s.o.p for you other drivers?
     
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  3. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Well... if you're going 30-35 mph uphill... and the other traffic is doing 65-70 mph, don't you think that drastic speed differential is a hazard? That's the reason for using your 4-way flashers.
    "Emergency" is not to be taken literally when using them.
    Forget the word emergency and substitute it with some wise thinking.
     
  4. jerezxp7

    jerezxp7 Medium Load Member

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    There are signs at the bottom of those hills saying slow moving trucks and its a given slow traffic should keep right. What got me thinking about this is a truck that stopped in the right lane on a hill at night he had his flashers on if everyone didnt just use them all the time i would have known something was up. A true emergency situation so i talked to a bunch of the old timmers they say no flashers unless its 25 or below
     
  5. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    I use my flashers all the time. Especially slow pulling a hill. I'll hit the flashers when avoiding road debris or if I need to hog two lanes to avoid a shoulder caution and take the next exit.
     
  6. jerezxp7

    jerezxp7 Medium Load Member

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    I do see your point cajun im not here to argue just want to feel out what my fellow drivers think.
     
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  7. miss elvee

    miss elvee Heavy Load Member

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    The federal law states 45 mph or lower on a high speed highway, although some states vary (i.e. Pennsylvania is 50 mph, and until challenged recently Florida was no flashers in the travel lanes).

    I use them briefly when traffic is coming to an abrupt halt. Like an accident. I use them when climbing, or when driving slow in particularly bad weather. I use them in the yard while hooking and unhooking. I use them in combination with the city horn when backing into a spot when you can't get eye contact from the surrounding drivers to make sure they know what you're doing.

    They're not just emergency. They're "look at me, I'm doing something unexpected, please don't hit me."
     
  8. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Great example... just today, on a 3 lane highway, there was a huge 8' x 8' yellow sign saying "Right Lane Ends in 500'. A 4 wheeler was just ahead of me in the right lane, and obviously didn't see that huge 8' x 8' yellow sign, because she ended up where there was no more lane for her, when she jammed on the brakes and tried to cut in front of me. So you think that all ppl obey "signs"? Hardly so.

    I also used my 4-ways today when I came upon a backup of traffic on I-90.
    3 lanes all at a slow roll, from formerly doing 65-75 mph. I had ample following distance and began to brake, putting on my flashers, so other vehicles behind me would hopefully take it as a warning to slow down and prepare for the traffic backup.

    jerez,, don't take me wrong... I'm not scolding or arguing... just sharing my perspective and looking for other's input as well. Good question you asked.
     
  9. jerezxp7

    jerezxp7 Medium Load Member

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    I agree with using them to let traffic behind you know things are comming to a stop. I just think it would help on these everyday hills we climb if half of us were not and half were we should try to come to a consensus.
     
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  10. Wickedfire77

    Wickedfire77 Road Train Member

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    I call my flashers "4 ways" or "hazards" and I use them with common sense. (Up hills, coming to a backup, or in bad weather, etc)
    They are my "make sure they see you" device as stated earlier.
    I have seen them overused or misused , but for the most part, I use a bit more caution if I see flashing lights ahead of me.
     
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  11. jerezxp7

    jerezxp7 Medium Load Member

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    No worries cajun its exactly what i wanted just some outside opinions. Im pretty tough a little scolding cant hurt me.
     
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