Quote:
Originally Posted by Grease Monk
THe google result you recieved is how the headlight flash is used abroad. For example, when a truck on the freeway in an adjacent lane wants to change lanes and has his indicator on, you can flash your headlight to indicate to him that he is clear to come into your lane and you do not wish to accelerate.
Most of the time the truckers even return with a 'thank you' flash from their hazard warning lights when done.
Another instance, when flashing the headlights is useful is when approaching 4 way junctions. Although there are a set of rules as to who gets right of way, in some instances, depending upon the timing of the approach of the vehicles to the junction, there may be some ambiguity. In this instance, any of the drivers who wants to give right of way to the other simply flashes their head lights to communicate to the other driver that they may proceed.
It is very interesting how this symbol has the opposite meaning in the west and in India. My interpretation of it is the mindset of people on the road. Abroad, everyone is worried about liability and negligence suits and there is a general sense of camaraderie or respect on the road. In India, on the other hand, it is a rat race where everyone wants to get to their destination as fast as possible and anyone who gets in their way be damned. Me-first, see a gap - take it, all are attitudes of Indian drivers\riders that we need to grow out of considering the volumes of vehicles we have on the road.
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you just saved my time typing all that. Spot on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganeshan
This is really interesting because in Europe we also have the same dilemma in that flashing lights means one thing is one country, and another thing in another country.
Here in Portugal (or Spain) if someone flashes you it means "Don't move, don't even think about it, I'm coming fast and have no intention to slow down". That would apply if you were waiting to pull out at a junction, or about to overtake a vehicle. But in England that would generally mean "Go on, pull out, or overtake". Opposite meanings that can cause deadly accidents...
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thanks for mentioning, didn't knew that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganeshan
In the UK advanced motorcycle course it is stated "Flashing headlights should only be used for one purpose: to inform other road users of your presence when the horn would not be heard, and in place of the horn at night. Never assume that a headlight flash is a signal to proceed and be aware that some drivers may interpret a headlight flash as an act of aggression." That last bit is quite interesting as it's basically saying that the wrong headlight flash in Britain could lead to road rage.
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this is even more interesting. Its TOTALLY opposite of what road users practise in UK. Are you sure about this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by nirav46
The Pass light is used for 3 reason
1.To let the person ahead you know that you wish to overtake.
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But is it really the correct use of passing light in India? To be honest, I have been doing the same thing all my life while riding and driving back in my hometown. Can anyone actually give a link or source of complete traffic rules in India please?