Ask anyone who's been behind the wheel for a while, there's more to the rules of the road than what's posted on street signs. Without need for a single word to be uttered, drivers can communicate countless things to one another, often through simply car actions or hand signals. One that may cause some confusion initially is when a driver behind or next to you flashes their headlights rapidly.
It's hard not to be taken aback by this jarring display, especially when done at day when most don't have
their lights on at all. At first glance, you might assume that the act might have been done by mistake, either by a driver accidentally turning on their lights or even a potential malfunction with the vehicle itself. However, in most cases, headlight flashing is, indeed, a deliberate act meant to communicate something to others on the road.
What is specifically being communicated by headlight flashing doesn't have a cut and dry answer. In truth, there are a number of things that a driver can be attempting to get across when sending this signal, some of which may even be crucial to your safety. By taking note of your surroundings, deciphering the meaning of a headlight flash isn't all that difficult.
Read more: 5 Classic Cars That Featured Swivel Front Seats
What Flashing Headlights Could Mean
Headlight flashing may seem like a strange or annoying occurence, but in most cases it's the fastest way to get another driver's attention. Doing so can be of benefit, giving other drivers the heads up they need to stay conscious of oncoming conditions. While the specific reasons for headlight flashing can differ depending on the specific situation, there are a number of scenarios where this commonly takes place.
This behavior is often done as a way of coordinating with other drivers. For example, if you are attempting to overtake someone in a separate lane and are taking too long, the other driver may flash their headlights to indicate that it's safe to make the move. It can also be a way of pointing out road obstructions, accidents, or even speed traps, which the other driver may have been notified about thanks to the advanced capabilities of modern apps such as Google Maps and Waze. However, it's worth noting that while flashing your headlights isn't illegal, you can still get in trouble for improper high beam use in certain areas, like flashing them to save someone from a ticket.
Along with road conditions, these signals can also be a way of informing you of problems present on your own car. Malfunctions such as broken tail lights, flat tires, or leaks can be easy to miss in some instances, so having someone inform you of such problems can be of benefit to both you and others on the road. It can also be used to call out people who are driving recklessly and pose a threat to other drivers.
Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time.
Read the original article on SlashGear.
