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Headlight flashing
Headlight flashing refers to the act of either briefly switching on the headlights of a car, or of momentarily switching between a headlight's high beams and low beams, in an effort to communicate with another driver or drivers. This signal can be intended to convey a variety of messages, including a warning to other drivers of road hazards or of speed traps, and it can also be a form of aggressive driving. The legality of headlight flashing varies by jurisdiction.
History
UsesEdit
In the most basic sense, headlight flashing is a way of attracting attention, for any of a number of purposes. In this way, it can be perceived as the visual equivalent of blowing the horn, again for any of a number of reasons. This equivalency is underscored by some car owner's manuals, which identify the steering column control lever which allows headlight flashing as the "optical horn". Headlight flashing can be used simply to let other drivers know of one's presence,[2] or as a response to acknowledge the presence or actions of other drivers. Some drivers flash their headlights as a signal that they are yielding the right of way to another driver, for example at an intersection controlled by stop signs.[3]
Headlight flashing is commonly used to warn other drivers of dangers on the road, such as crashed cars or police speed traps.[4]Headlight flashing can be used to give thanks to another driver. For example, in situations where a driver is warned of police activity in the area, it is sometimes considered courteous to flash one's own lights in response.[5]
It can also be used to inform drivers of problems with their car, such as headlamps left off after dark, burned out or misaligned lights, or misuse of high beam rather than low beam in traffic,[6] or to berate a driver who poses a risk to traffic.[4] Headlight flashing coupled with blowing the car's horn can help clear deer from a driver's path.[7]
Drivers often flash headlights to indicate the intention to overtake or pass another driver,[8][9] or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she is far enough ahead to change back into the lane of the overtaken vehicle. Flashing is also commonly used to request or insist that a leading driver speed up or change lanes to get out of the way of a faster following driver.[10][11] Headlight flashing may also be a part of aggressive driving,[10] and can be used in an attempt to intimidate others into speeding or otherwise driving unsafely.[12]
Some drivers attempt to communicate "I will continue my current behavior!" when flashing their headlights. For example, if such a driver flashes his or her headlights while slowing down, they intend to communicate to another driver who is waiting to merge in traffic: "Go on, I will let you merge!" On the other hand, if such a driver keeps his or her current speed and flashes headlights, they intend to communicate "Stay back, I am not slowing down!"
Headlight flashing may also indicate protest or celebration of an event or political position.[13][14]
Motorcycle headlamp modulatorsautomatically oscillate the intensity of the headlamp in an effort to make the motorcycle more conspicuous to other drivers.[15]
Effectiveness and ambiguity
Legality and meaning
Urban legend
References
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