Flashed at on highway? (Young driver)
Posted by freeaav@reddit | driving | View on Reddit | 5 comments
I was driving home on the highway (2 lane only) and this car was coming up behind me, and he sped up and went next to me and my first thought was oh hes gonna pass me thats fine (I was going like 5-10 under the limit, i hit a deer on this highway so im more cautious at night) but he stayed the same speed as me and flashed his beams a couple of times, then passed me like 5 seconds later. What could this mean? I didnt roll down my window or anything, i tried to see the driver but both our windows are tinted and its 11pm at night. I thought maybe my back lights were out or something, but I had my mom look at them and all were working just fine. Any ideas or is there some kind of like driver language i dont understand? I wasnt driving with my high beams, i wasnt causing traffic, and i wasnt swerving or anything so im confused, what did i do wrong lol
slicktommycochrane@reddit
My guess is that he was slightly upset at traveling under the limit but didn't go into full on road rage.
Blue8Evan@reddit
If he wasn't honking at you or showing signs of road rage, then he was probably trying to get your attention. Most likely trying to point out something like your headlights or tail lights being off or faulty, since he flashed his beams, but not at you. I'd say just make sure your lights work, and nothing is outright wrong with your car. Also, not uncommon for people nowadays to turn their lights off and not notice because of DRLs, could be that too.
freeaav@reddit (OP)
All of my lights were working though, i had my mom confirm it. My guess is he probably thought my beams were on (they werent), i do have really bright lights, my dad handles everything with my car and gave me bright lights so i can see better since i hit a deer. Is there usually a difference between flashing lights directly behind me and flashing lights while being next to me at the same speed?
Blue8Evan@reddit
Hm, it's weird. He came up from behind and flashed his brights while right next to you. If someone flashes their brights behind you, they are usually mad or want you to speed up/move over. If next to you, probably trying to get your attention, but will usually use the horn too if its urgent like that.
Although, you say your dad gave you bright lights. Chances are if he just swapped out the bulbs, the new ones he put in are too bright for the headlight housing (they are designed to reflect light downwards, different or brighter bulbs may not be reflected correctly), and might be bright for people in front of you, but not the people behind you, so I doubt it would be for that reason.
ThirdSunRising@reddit
Nah I think he wanted to get your attention for other purposes. I had a guy try to sell me cocaine by doing this.