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 No.2  Drivers and the Art of Communication

 On the steering column of virtually every car in production there is a lever which is easily operated by the fingers whist steering the vehicle know as a “Flasher” !     Those in the Driving School profession will know what the Flash Signals mean but are not obliged to teach this language to their pupils because it is claimed that such signals can be misunderstood, and are not required for the driving test.

These signals have been in use by HGV drivers for more than 40 years but, unfortunately, drivers fresh from their driving test appear to be ignorant of the meaning of such communications for the reason stated above.

The advantage with understanding this Code is that all road users are able to integrate more efficiently and help to prevent Gridlock by giving way to other road vehicles without actually having to stop.    The vehicle giving way simply gives 2 short flashes with their Headlight Flasher and the other road user understands that you are giving way and they are able to turn right or, in the case of motorways, move in or out to the desired lane.    On the ordinary roads it is simply necessary to slow down slightly to create a gap in the traffic and flash the vehicle waiting to turn across traffic.    The driver, on seeing your signal is able to confidently turn across traffic, quite often unblocking other traffic in his/her wake.

On the motorways this flashing to allow vehicles to change lanes helps to ensure that vehicles move out with the consent of other vehicles and therefore less likely to be involved in a traffic accident or road-rage as a result of another drivers inconsiderate driving.