Flashing your headlights to overtake

"atomic8778" (atomic8778) 07/09/2015 at 11:43 • Filed to: None

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Hey guys,

I gotta question for you. Do you flash to overtake in the US? For example, let’s say it’s nighttime and you’re on a 4 lane highway (2 lanes in each direction), traveling down the right lane. You’re closing in on a truck and you want to overtake them by using the left lane (that is absolutely clear). Do you still flash to overtake? Or do you not bother?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:46

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No. But I’m not clear on whether or not I should.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:47

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Don't bother in that case. Flash to pass is more GTFO the left lane.

Decay buys too many beaters > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:48

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What lane is the truck in?

Right lane? No I do not flash

Left lane? Yes I flash the high beams.

thebigbossyboss > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:49

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Truck drivers don’t like it, according to the oodles of trucking videos I watch on youtube.

CalzoneGolem > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:50

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Do not flash to overtake. Only flash to let them know to gtfo of your way.

Svend > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:53

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If your on a four lane road (two lanes each direction) and the car you want to overtake is in the right hand lane with the left lane clear, why would anyone flash their headlights to overtake, indicate yes, flash headlights no. But even then it isn’t compulsory to indicate to overtake unless there are cars behind you just a common courtesy to do so.

spanfucker retire bitch > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 11:57

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I never flash the lights when passing anyone, and I have literally never seen it done before either.

I hear stories - rumors maybe - here on Oppo that it’s quite common in some places. But they may be lost to us by now.

Brian, The Life of > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:11

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Americans do not understand the flash to pass thing. Most of us just view it as an act of aggression instead of a heads-up or a polite request, unfortunately. This doubly sucks since there are roughly zero police departments that enforce the left lane laws.

Milky > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:12

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As explained why in my FP comment, not anymore. Just pass on the right, I give a blinker warning though too.

They don’t have to do shit (which they probably weren't going to) and Im on my merry way.

CalzoneGolem > spanfucker retire bitch 07/09/2015 at 12:14

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It happened to me once. I was in the left lane because there was left exit coming up that I need to exit on. I did not move out of their way.

See answer #10: http://jalopnik.com/the-ten-worst-…

MonkeePuzzle > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:22

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sure, but it’s ineffective, because the kind of moron hogging a lane isn’t paying enough attention that a light in their mirror would make any difference

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:22

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Normally, I'll flash my lights as I close in on them. If they don't get over, I'll stay behind and try not to tailgate and flash again. If they still don't get over, I'll flash one more time. After that, if they're still in the left lane, I just pass on the right.

atomic8778 > Svend 07/09/2015 at 12:23

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I’ve seen it done, hence my asking. I think people do it in the scenario described for trucks as a “hey-oh comin’ through”, since visibility for trucks isn’t as stellar in a passenger car.

atomic8778 > spanfucker retire bitch 07/09/2015 at 12:25

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I used to do it too. Then I realized that most people take it the wrong way, hence my decision to say “aw screw it”. I mean I’m sure that mentality is part of the reason why flash-to-overtake doesn’t catch on, but perhaps it’s just how it is in the US.

Alfalfa Romeo > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:25

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It’s technically the correct practice, but since everyone sees it as aggressive, no one does it.

atomic8778 > Brian, The Life of 07/09/2015 at 12:28

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Well it’s weird that it’s like a catch-22. On one hand, it’s illegal to go slow in the left lanes, but on the other hand, flashing your headlights on a multi lane highway is illegal, at least in some states. So even iffff people use flash to pass, you basically couldn’t. Of course that might change if police actually enforced left lane laws, but we can only wonder.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Brian, The Life of 07/09/2015 at 12:29

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Not all states have left lane laws.

atomic8778 > Milky 07/09/2015 at 12:29

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Yeah, today’s top ten reminded me of the aforementioned situation, which is why I asked. I’m at that point too, “eh screw it”. I’ll still try to limit my right side passes if I can help it though.

atomic8778 > thebigbossyboss 07/09/2015 at 12:31

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It’s weird though. I’ve seen people flash headlights to overtake and everything, like the scenario described above, and some trucks are a-ok and will even return flashes to let you know that you’re all clear.

atomic8778 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/09/2015 at 12:31

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Very true. I’m in the same boat. I’d rather flash, but I don’t wanna be considered a dick, so I don’t.

atomic8778 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 07/09/2015 at 12:33

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Not that it would matter because in the states that it is illegal, police don’t enforce it. Don’t get me wrong, every now and then it is, but not often.

spanfucker retire bitch > CalzoneGolem 07/09/2015 at 12:34

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You must be from the shadowlands.

atomic8778 > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/09/2015 at 12:35

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I think that’s proper protocol too. As I’m closing in, flash flash, then maintain distance. No dice? Fuggit, I’m overtaking on your right. In some scenarios, flash Flash again, still maintaining distance one more time. No dice still? Passing on the right we go.

Svend > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:35

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Oh okay.

In the U.K. you’d generally flash someone in front if there is something wrong with their car, has annoyed you (driving too slow, overtook dangerously, etc...) or a truck is overtaking you and you signal that it’s clear to merge back into the lane your in, allowing traffic behind the truck be on their way.

Party-vi > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:35

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If you’re hanging out in the left lane and the right (or another) lane is empty, I’ll just scoot on over and pass you.

If however you’re in the passing lane and you aren’t passing anyone and I can’t get around you, I will flash my headlights like a drunk coed at Mardi Gras until you get out of my way.

atomic8778 > Svend 07/09/2015 at 12:37

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I think that all happens in the US too, but you’re more so seen as aggressive.

But in the UK, they actually enforce left (right) lane laws (...right?). So you’d generally wouldn’t have problems with slow movers. Maybe. Probably. Hopefully.

Brian, The Life of > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 07/09/2015 at 12:38

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True but even in states that have them there is zero enforcement.

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:38

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I've gotten flipped off more than once though, even though it is proper protocol

atomic8778 > Party-vi 07/09/2015 at 12:38

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Ha! Shame they dont throw beads at you eh?

atomic8778 > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/09/2015 at 12:40

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Yeahhhhhhhhhh hence why my practice of doing flash flash has waned over the years. I ain’t tryna be a dick here guys. Just tryna do the right thing. I mean I thought someone should be, nay had to be the person who initiated change right?!?!

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:43

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It's really frustrating when you come up on left-lane campers that don't know how fast they want to go

atomic8778 > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/09/2015 at 12:47

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That’s the worse!!! You’re coming up to a left lane camper. You pass on the right. Wait, what’s that left lane camper? All of a sudden you want to speed up again!?!?! Aw come on guy!

Actually come to think about it, it sucks when it happens when they’re on the right lane too. You try to over take because they’re going slow, but once you get in front of them, now they want to speed up and is now on your butt. Aw come on guy!!!!!!

Svend > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:47

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We have lane hoggers but it’s being clamped down on a bit more with instant fines.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-237137…

Careless drivers across Britain who hog lanes or tailgate can now be punished with on-the-spot police fines.

Under the new measures, officers can issue £100 fines and three points rather than taking drivers to court.

Ministers said it would make tackling problem motorists easier. The AA said a third of drivers risked facing a fine.

Fixed penalties for a number of offences, including using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt while driving, have also risen from £60 to £100.

More serious driving offences will still go through the courts and could result in much higher fines and penalties.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

But people caught carrying out offences subject to the new penalties, which were first announced in June, will be able to choose between an on-the-spot fine or the chance to go on a driving course.

The move, which does not apply in Northern Ireland, brings careless or inconsiderate driving offences into line with the penalties for similar non-motoring fixed penalties. Drivers can still appeal against any decision through the courts.

Among the offences police are expected to focus on are:

•Driving too close to the vehicle in front

•Failing to give way at a junction (not requiring evasive action by another driver)

•Overtaking and pushing into a queue of traffic

•Being in the wrong lane and pushing into a queue on a roundabout

•Lane discipline, such as needlessly hogging the middle or outside lanes

•Inappropriate speed

•Wheel-spins, handbrake turns and other careless manoeuvres

Many such offences currently go unpunished because of the bureaucracy involved in taking a case to court.

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:48

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Haha dude are you Canadian?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 12:49

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If I’m on a divided highway with at least tow lanes goin each way, and I am approaching a slower who is in the left lane but not passing, then and only then will I flash my high beams to pass someone.

I own dead car brands only > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 14:06

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I don’t bother. What I do bother with is yelling “POWWER!!” And making growling noises while I pass.

thebigbossyboss > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 14:28

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Usually I only see the flash back in if you too are hauling a trailer or driving a long vehicle like a bus.

atomic8778 > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/09/2015 at 16:26

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No sir! I’m from their friends to the south. California to be precise! Well I’m moving soon, but as for now, Californian! But I see how you thought I was, pal

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > atomic8778 07/09/2015 at 19:27

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I'm not your pal, guy

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/21/2015 at 14:38

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He’s not your guy, buddy!

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 07/21/2015 at 15:04

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I'm not your buddy, friend!

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE 07/21/2015 at 15:18

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I’m not your friend, p... wait, I might be your friend, pal.