Misuse of Headlight flashing...

Hector

Hector

Hector

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
12,415
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070289
110
Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
Click to expand...

Why do we never get public awareness campaigns or such despite misuse of flashing having caused close calls, accidents and deaths for decades :confused: I've never heard of anyone getting a tug for it.

Does anyone else find this somewhat strange?

For me, the flashing of the headlight is used for alerting a driver of my presence prior to overtaking. If I'm going to use it as a warning, I'll hold it on for a good few seconds and I'll be slowing down in expectation that it won't work.

How do you folks use your headlight flash?
 
I usually flash my headlights at drivers coming in the opposite direction when I have just passed the police....;)
 
On the bike I don't really use it. Haven't been riding long though. I should probably use it more when filtering in poor visibility maybe...

In the car I tend to use it most when I've stopped behind parked cars to beckon oncomming traffic on. Incorrect use I know, but that appears to be what the majority of car drivers use it for in reality.

While on the bike, if I see oncomming traffic flashing at me it generally means there's a police presence down the road :eek:
 
Felix said:
I usually flash my headlights at drivers coming in the opposite direction when I have just passed the police....;)
Click to expand...
I've heard of people getting tugged for that!! Police are sneaky, sometimes more hide down the road a bit and look out for such warnings and even further down some more will be ready and waiting to issue fines.
 
Felix said:
I usually flash my headlights at drivers coming in the opposite direction when I have just passed the police....;)
Click to expand...

Done this many times myself, and also had it done to me, usually know the police are ahead when loads of cars and bikes are flashing you and others lol.
 
I don't really do it now, I used to think that people should get away with their speeding but now feel that if they speed then they know the dangers. I know people who have been pulled by the police for flashing (warning about the police) and asked why they were flashing..."it was someone I know"...

Only time I flash now is to let cars through or at friends.

Never flash on the bike though, too much opportunity for misunderstanding what you mean.
 
Because it's usefull and universally accepted.

Was ***** off when I got a major in my bike test for failing to make progress, when a lorry flashed me. Especially as they day before I wen't over a car roof as they failed to stop at a red light.
 
I try and avoid flashing the lights on the bike. It's just to open to interpritation as to what you are trying to do/say. When I'm filtering I find a blip of the termis useally gets their attention :-)
 
Only time i give a wee flash of the lights is if im going a wee bit to fast to lift my hand and wave
 
Anybody using a flash of the headlights to say anything other than 'Go on then mate, you go' is asking for trouble regardless of what the highway code says on the matter.
 
On the bike the only time I ever flash the lights is at night to tell someone coming the other way they still have their main beam on. Apart from that I never flash.
 
I've appreciated the occasional flash to note that there is a portable speedgun around the corner, it must be said.
 
On my bike I hardly use my headlight to flash since owing to the suspension and bumpiness of the road, it "flickers" so I don't rely on it as a warning, and besides I ride with my lights on all the time.

Driving in my car, I must admit I use it to let people out/in etc... It's become the "norm" now. In the continent however, people do use it as a warning, a lot of times as a "beware of rozzers" when people drive towards you.
 
Freefaller said:
In the continent however, people do use it as a warning
Click to expand...
They use the horn too, only here folk get moody when they hear someone tooting them because thats something else that has been misused over the years. It should say "look out mate, I'm here" but folk mostly use it as a "You ******* **** ******" :eek:

Some of our best tools for being noticed can hardly be used without others taking it the wrong way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom