[Ads-l] New meaning for an existing signal

[Rich Lowenthal]

I have been seeing the fourth meaning for years--in general, flashing 
lights is used to signal to another driver that you are offering them 
the right of way, as in stopping to let them turn left. It can be 
dangerous though: if the meaning isn't recognized and the second driver 
doesn't turn quickly enough, the first driver might decide to just go 
ahead, leading to an accident.

Flashing lights is also typically used to signal to truck drivers that 
they can change lanes.

Flashing high beams generally means that you have forgotten to turn 
yours off and are blinding oncoming traffic.

As with most things, the more meanings it has, the less useful it 
becomes.

Rich Lowenthal


------ Original Message ------
>From "James Landau" <00000c13e57d49b8-dmarc-request at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
To ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Date 8/9/2025 19:37:10
Subject New meaning for an existing signal

>It used to be that a driver flashing his headlights meant one of three things:
>1.  speed trap ahead2.  I want to pass you    3.  You forgot to turn on your headligghts.
>In the last few weeks I have seen a fourth meaning that I have not been aware of before:
>If you are signalling for a left turn and a car coming towards you in the left lane stops and flashes his/her headlights, it is saying "I am stopping for you so you can make your left turn".
>Has anyone else seen this signal?  If so, how recently?
>James Landau
>jjjrlandau at netscape.com
>
>

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