Police Ahead
Posted by ChuckYeagerWV@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 454 comments
Does anyone still flash their headlights to let oncoming traffic know a cop is ahead? I recently flashed a whole line of cars and only a truck driver flashed back.
spkoller2@reddit
The people warned, headed towards the police shouldn’t get caught signaling, it’s a crime in a lot of places.
ThatKa5per@reddit
This.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
k
EmbarrassedFlower922@reddit
Yes and only trucks drivers seem to understand what it means. I will also flash for deer, disabled cars on the side of the road, or other potential hazard. It's a warning to slow down and look. Not just for cops
Sad-Yak6252@reddit
The old trucker's code was: one flash means hello, two flashes means police ahead, and three flashes means wreck or danger ahead.
EmbarrassedFlower922@reddit
Thank you, didn't know that. I'll adjust my flashing accordingly.
HighSideSurvivor@reddit
Nope. I want to encourage safe driving. I have places to be too, but I’m not going to endanger pedestrians to make up for 2 or 3 minutes of drive time.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
Well the goal of a parked cruiser is to slow people down. This accomplishes that without the revenue generation. 🤷
SaturnMoons81@reddit
Annnnnddd. This is why it pisses off cops so much.
-lousyd@reddit
I don't understand what this has to do with pedestrians or drive time.
HighSideSurvivor@reddit
To clarify: you don’t understand how speeding impacts pedestrians or the drive time of the speeder?
-lousyd@reddit
No, flashing headlights. How does flashing headlights endanger peds?
HighSideSurvivor@reddit
Because it encourages speeding by increasing the feeling that one can speed with immunity because other motorists will help you to avoid consequences
-lousyd@reddit
Oh. I've only ever seen it done on highways, where there are no pedestrians. Maybe that's why your comment didn't make sense to me at first.
open_road_toad@reddit
Yep, everytime. I also tag them on Google Maps if I’m using it. Eff em
Appropriate_Dig_4348@reddit
I see it all the time
strangebru@reddit
I was driving down a two lane road (one lane going each direction) and noticed a big branch had fallen in the opposite lane. This was before cellphones, so I had to wait until I got to a phone to notify the authorities, so I'm flashing my headlights to everyone heading towards that half of a tree in the road to slow them down. Just as I get close to a traffic light a policeman driving the opposite direction puts on his lights to pull me over. I pull over and run up to his car to let him know about the tree in the road, and he starts bitching me out for flashing my headlights to people and asks if I know what that means. I said that "flashing your lights let's people know to slow down because of a police officer shooting radar, and if that keeps someone from having a tragic accident because of the tree in the road, then give me a ticket."
After breaking it down that way, he didn't give me a ticket.
Maleficent-Leek2943@reddit
I’ve only ever done the quick on/off flash to thank another driver for making room for me when I’m changing lanes in traffic or similar. Completely unnecessary, I know, but a weird habit to shake when you’ve been taught it’s right and proper. Despite the fact that I let people in all the time and don’t expect any thanks for doing the bare minimum of being a considerate human.
Only just learning via this post of the concept of flashing lights to warn drivers coming the other way about speed traps and the like.
-lousyd@reddit
If you flashed your lights at me I would think something is wrong. Do I have a tail light out? Did I leave my toddler on the roof? What's going on?
lovelylynda@reddit
I always flash my lights to let people know a headlamp was out.
Round_Ad8947@reddit
Yeah, but I catch zero recognition for cars driving at night with only running lights on. They are clueless to the fact that their rear lights are off and nobody can see their rear in the dark.
ygkg@reddit
Just yesterday. I do my best to make sure that any cop running a speed trap is as bored as possible.
KittiesRule1968@reddit
Always. It really pisses off the small town SC cops.
Veritas-37@reddit
I used to do this but now I don't. 2 reasons for this:1. I could be alerting someone who is trafficking humans, and 2. People suck in general. I don't feel like helping some random dipshit out of a traffic situation they are getting themselves into.
AccomplishedOlive117@reddit
Damn it. You're right.
stalagit68@reddit
You're absolutely right about part 1.
Environmental_Ride_8@reddit
I still do always.
AlikaTT2020@reddit
I was a police officer for many years. It’s funny to read this thread to see what people are saying. Just so everyone knows a majority of the time if a police officer is running radar in an area it’s because the police department has received numerous complaints from citizens of speeders in that area or it has become a high crash/accident area. They are there for a reason and trying to keep people safe. If you’re not driving like a maniac you’ll be fine. Just think about that the next time you’re warning someone.
Kodiak01@reddit
To add on to this, one more note for everyone:
If an officer has someone pulled over, particularly on the highway, while you should be moving over for everyone's safety, you do NOT have to suddenly slow down to 10-15mph below the speed limit. Unless you're going full Mad Max, swinging a decapitated head out the window while screaming like a banshee at high speeds, the officer is NOT going to stop what they're doing and start chasing you instead.
mscrybaby-mo@reddit
In Missouri you are told it is the law to do both. The same as when you have your wipers on your headlights have to be on also is a law here.
I don't know if it was just Missouri, but I remember hearing about people getting in trouble for warning others of police ahead, then they got pulled over by said police. The citizen fought the ticket and it was declared a part of your first amendment rights because you are signaling which is the same as using sign language to tell others. So I know here at least you can't get in trouble for doing it.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
Well if the goal is slowing people down it's a win win since no revenue generation. 🤷
Feminist_Hugh_Hefner@reddit
tickets don't slow people down, you're literally telling people not to signal for other drivers to slow down...
Try thinking, it's not as bad as it sounds.
caseigl@reddit
Wouldn't flashing your lights to other drivers and having them slow down actually help achieve the goal, though? I've read about police marking themselves on Waze because their goal was to keep people safe and that's more effective than ticketing a handful of random drivers.
deltacreative@reddit
If it's truly a matter of slowing motorists and safety, the light flashing to oncoming motorists is equally if not more effective as the sight of a patrol car on the side of the road.
GilligansWorld@reddit
Interesting fun fact about that - yes I do and this is what recently happened;
I flashed on coming traffic about a speed trap in our city not knowing it was a two cop car team. The other patrolman pulled out and proceeded to pull me over. Then asked if I knew why? I said no did I break a law? He asked why my lights flashed? I asked if that was illegal to which he said yes?! So I played stupid and responded “lucky for me I didn’t do that” to which he replied that I most certainly did. To which I replied no I was turning on my head lights and was afraid I had them on bright.
Long story short he wrote “a report” indicating I was warned that intentionally blasting light off and on was creating a hazard that I could be cited for…….. basically I knew that he knew that I did what he was thinking but he couldn’t prove it and I am fairly certain it isn’t against any law provided it was intentional like he was trying to insinuate, like I wanted to blind someone FFS
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
ACAB
GilligansWorld@reddit
Sorry what? I don’t follow
MaximumJones@reddit
All Cops Are Bastards
GilligansWorld@reddit
Ahh…. right?! These guys were for sure.
Remember just say A). “I’m sorry am I being detained or am I free to go?” Followed by B) “Sorry I don’t answer questions that my Lawyer can, so should we get them involved?”
The second statement will land you in jail if you were breaking the law though. But like I say make the Badtards work for it
MaximumJones@reddit
When the police ask you ANYTHING the only word out of your mouth should be "lawyer". 😁
ratsta@reddit
I don't because speed kills.
Yes, there are speed traps which are there specifically for revenue raising but that's never going to change. If you don't notice a sign indicating a change in the speed limit, you're not paying enough attention to the road. We've already lost too many family, friends and acquaintances to preventable road accidents and I'd prefer that none of us lose any more.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
Flashing the lights slows people down so...
ratsta@reddit
It may slow people down. As others have noted, the old traditions fall by the wayside and newer wizards don't know the deep magics :)
The problem that I see, is a flashing of the lights is like someone saying "sssh! Teacher's coming!" The class quietens down while the teacher is in the room but as soon as they're out of earshot, they're dancing on the tables again.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
So? It's like that when police are there, then not.
bloobityblu@reddit
Not as much because I don't think enough drivers would understand that's what the flash is for as opposed to signaling "hey your brights are on."
During the day it could mean a lot of things including there's something dangling from the underside of your car, one of your tires is going flat, etc.
I like the idea but I feel like it was never organized enough from the start. It should be something universal like 1 flash for brights, 2 flashes for cops, 3 flashes for there's something wrong with your car, etc.
ratsta@reddit
Related to lack of common understanding... I was leaving (on foot) a gas station one night, loaded up with snacks, and a car was leaving at the same time. I noticed he didn't have his headlights on so I made the "flash" gesture with my fingers and called out "headlights!"
The car got about 50m ahead then pulled over and the driver start marching angrily towards me. oh, here we go... I kept walking, getting closer. When he got to about 15m from me, he challengingly called out, "What did you say!?"
"Headlights! You didn't have your headlights on!"
The guy visibly deflated and waited until I got to home. "Sorry mate, I thought you asked if I wanted a fight, and my family don't back down from a fight." Yeah, nah mate. Just wanted to make sure you're safe. "Yeah, thanks. Sorry." then he got back in his car and drove off. Then about 100m later he remembered to turn his headlights on.
So surreal!
bloobityblu@reddit
LOL he drove off with his headlights still off!!
Yeah it can get dangerous out there. And people might have a gun in their vehicle over this way, so that's a non-zero risk, for sure.
FlightExtension8825@reddit
That is what it is
bloobityblu@reddit
Wait really? TIL then.
Snowbilt@reddit
I used to now waze is my friend.
thegreatcerebral@reddit
Nah. They will pull you over if they know you did that. Waze and Google Maps have cops buttons and that works wonders.
ktappe@reddit
They can’t pull you over. It’s free speech.
bikesrgood@reddit
This is untrue. I was in a car that did this and they pulled it over. Said it was illegal to have flashing lights in the front.
Whether or not that’s a good reason or not to pull you over is debate for a different time but to say they can’t pull you over is naive. They’ll pull you over if they want to.
thegreatcerebral@reddit
Exactly.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
Free speech. 🤷
thegreatcerebral@reddit
I believe they claim it has something to do with reckless driving flashing your lights at other motorists.
It isn't worth it with the digital means that are out there now days.
ForwardCulture@reddit
It’s considered constitutionally protected free speech.
RikkiLostMyNumber@reddit
True, but in practice they will pull you over for any reason if they feel like it.
SaltyBlackBroad@reddit
Nope! Slow your ass down or pay my city a fine!
CleMike69@reddit
It’s no longer really a thing for most. All of our cool driving alerts have been replaced by apps. Light on on the highway always meant a cop in daylight or lights on and off at night. Or a pumping of brakes to light up behind you but everyone tailgating now it’s just a sea of lights. The good ole days are behind us
Turdulator@reddit
Sure, and I’ve had people do it for me… but I’ve never once in my 46 years on this earth heard of someone “flashing back” in that situation
Apprehensive-Ant2141@reddit
I have noticed a lot of the driving “rules” I was taught by my dad no longer are common. Like this one, waving thank you when someone lets you merge, and blinking your hazards to thank truckers for letting you over.
Disastrous-Exit7614@reddit
I do....but I'm 58 years old
niff007@reddit
Not anymore. I report it on the app (i have a screen and use Android Auto and have actual knobs so Im not taking my eyes off the road or fiddling with the touch screen).
I never see anyone doing it anymore either.
sitewolf@reddit
Not the same thing, but do people flash their lights at someone who isn't taking their brights off as they meet you?
I was driving out in the country one night, miles from any town, when a car I met left their brights on and a did a quick flash. Turned out to be a highway patrolman who immediately flipped around and pulled me over. While telling me of the danger of doing what I did I asked him which was more dangerous, a quick flash or someone leaving their brights on while meeting someone. He looked back at his car, realized his brights were on, said 'shit!' and went back to his car.
IndyLinuxDude@reddit
Did he then proceed to arrest you or pull you out of the car and beat you? (and yes people still do that around here as well as flashing lights to warn about cops)
Crafty_Praline726@reddit
Not anymore, they can find out on their own. I will flash if there's a real hazard, like a deer or an accident or something in the roadway.
TheFonzDeLeon@reddit
Yeah, I don't love cops, but I live in a somewhat rural area where there are insane drivers that routinely cause accidents and I'm sick of it. Recently I had to brake and move over twice in a week to avoid someone headed towards me while passing without enough space to do it safely, and I am routinely passed by people who can't stand to only go 5-7mph over the speed limit. I swear it's more dangerous than deriving in LA anymore. I often wish there were more Sheriffs out there...
TheFonzDeLeon@reddit
Apparently not liking cops but liking head-on collisions less is becoming a hot take.
anaisaknits@reddit
I used to do this before Waze came along.
Dangerous_Ad1115@reddit
Do not flash your high beams anytime of the day or night. Turn them on and off.
InvestigatorJaded261@reddit
I always do. Never expected anyone to acknowledge it though.
Odd-Prune2254@reddit
No. I use Waze, Highway Radar, and JBV1.
Past-Butterscotch-68@reddit
I used to a long time ago. Then I got pulled over for doing it. It’s not illegal but “frowned upon.”
I guess I look at it as if someone is going fast enough that a cop will pull them over they are going too fast. Most police allow about a 6 to 8 mph speed variance.
noisician@reddit
that weird that they pulled you over for something that’s legal.
CurrentSpread6406@reddit
Fishing
Big-Scientist3756@reddit
I always do
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
No, because I really don’t give a shit about signaling on coming traffic. Not my pig. Not my farm.
NobodysLoss1@reddit
There's that increasingly popular American sense of community! Such comaraderie as yours has been growing in leaps and bounds this last decade!
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
Community? It’s called individual liberty
benergiser@reddit
just cause you CAN be an insufferable anti social douche doesn’t mean should be..
some people are so emotionally illiterate.. the only emotions they know are anger, hate, fear and shame.. what a waste
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
If flashing ones brights to warn others that there is a speed trap ahead is the pinnacle of what makes someone a good person or not then you need to check your yardstick. For GenXers, you all are pretty soft, more Millennial like, if you ask me.
NobodysLoss1@reddit
And unsurprisingly, you've quickly gone on to attacking someone's character, rather than sticking to the topic. Just another popular trend in the last decade. When people are unable to respond coherently, they just launch into negative statements. This trend has been popularized by our current President.
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
Me? I was called an “insufferable anti social douche… emotional illiterate”. I called the dude a soft Millennial, but I’m attacking their “character”, okay.
benergiser@reddit
actually i was talking about “some people”.. are you “some people”?
benergiser@reddit
no one said anything about a ‘pinnacle’…
go be emotionally illiterate somewhere else with your depressed ass
Grizzle_Da_Mahfka@reddit
Call it whatever you want, you still clearly suck as a human being
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
They clearly suck at not watching their speed.
bloobityblu@reddit
Wow. Is it that hard to give even a mild shit about other people or?
Bjorn_CyBorg1@reddit
As if they give a shit about me. They should watch their own speedometer.
JeffFerguson@reddit
I can't remember ever doing that, nor do I remember hearing that it was something that was done.
Kinetic92@reddit
No. My lights are always on auto, and I'm not taking the time to mess with my automated life to warn someone coming at me at 100mph. And flashing headlights to warn of a police presence is illegal in many states. I'm definitely not taking a ticket for someone else's speeding.
Dapper_Size_5921@reddit
Where in the US is it illegal to warn of police presence?
Prestigious-Echo-164@reddit
It isn’t. It’s within your first amendment right to communicate with fellow travelers.
Dapper_Size_5921@reddit
Sergeant_Crunch@reddit
Nah, I don't recall that being a thing when I was younger.
qwertyorbust@reddit
I used to, but now I say to hell with the unsafe drivers. Let them get caught.
Kodiak01@reddit
I take it a step farther by poisioning the Waze Well.
When people are driving like assholes on the highway during my commute, I'll start marking police sightings in spots where they would typically hide and can't be easily seen. At the same time, if there IS an officer there doing speed patrols, I will mark them as not being there.
Doing the former, it takes just a few over a several mile stretch for people to suddenly start driving at sane speeds again. The latter? Hopefully they catch one of the idiot wheelholders.
As for flashing lights? Nope, never have. I don't even worry about being pulled over because I drive in a manner that they won't even look my way.
Givemeallthecabbages@reddit
It has gone from most people driving 5 mph over to a bunch of people driving as fast as they want everywhere, all the time. Let them get pulled over.
ebunky@reddit
Nope. If someone is driving excessively fast they should be stopped and warned or fined. Cops don’t stop people going a reasonable amount over the speed limit anyway so anyone who wants to argue with me or downvote this go right ahead. A large percentage of people especially in my state drive way too fast, are reckless, and are should slow their ass down.
Jason_TheMagnificent@reddit
Yup
battlesong1972@reddit
I definitely do, but I’ve always been confused on how far away from the cop before it doesn’t make sense to do it
amazing-haves-34@reddit
I live to report speed traps on CarPlay.
ph11p3541@reddit
Snitching goes both ways. Don't be a snitch
rcr13@reddit
Found the cop.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
ACAB
Feminist_Hugh_Hefner@reddit
WTF do you mean "both ways" lol nice try mall cop, that's not how it works and no, you still can't sit with us in the Food Court
TI72836@reddit
I did this all the time but not so much anymore.
Funny story, I did this when I was 21 and ended up flashing a police car coming the other direction. I was pulled over and told the officer the truth as he knew what I was doing. He said "Damn, you're honest. As long as you aren't wanted for murder, I'll let you go". He checked, and obviously I wasn't wanted for murder...and he let me off.
ConsuelaShlepkiss@reddit
Yep, every time.
SubieGal9@reddit
Yes, and just recently had 4 cars in a row do it to alert me. LOL it was a small town and sure enough, their one cop was "hiding" behind a bush.
atc_zero1@reddit
No
JoshuaAJones@reddit
Used to do that, when I was younger.
Now, I hate all other drivers. Not road-ragey, just a simmering distain of people that don't come to complete stops or speed in our neighborhood or change lanes in the middle of intersections... you know... scum.
If I could send dashcam videos in as evidence for tickets, I would.
So, no... I don't flash anymore.
JoWhee@reddit
I use Waze to report, unless it’s a school zone.
I find that people get agressive now when you flash them.
Also IYKYK: I’ll tap the top of my helmet.
Better_Resort1171@reddit
Does anyone understand turning your lights on/off quickly means anything?
Honest to God, nobody ends up turning their lights on.
Anthropic_me@reddit
High beams, not regular headlights.
ThirstyWolfSpider@reddit
That just seems rude. I've only seen it with the normal beams.
Anthropic_me@reddit
A whole lot easier to quickly flick the high beams than it is to turn the headlights on then off.
ThirstyWolfSpider@reddit
Weird. I don't know what controls you have, but I'd have to reach to the headlight controls and either turn them about 20° or push them away, and then invert that action. Those are very similar (and both trivially low) levels of effort.
Automatic-Nature6025@reddit
Same thing for me, it's been ten years since some dumbass driving in the dark, rain, fog, always in a drab colored vehicle, has actually turned their lights on when I on/offed them.
jimmywhereareya@reddit
I passed my driving test in 1983. I was driving along a road with a long curve and people driving towards me were flashing their lights at me. I didn't know why. I actually stopped and got out to check my tyres, then further down the road I saw a police speed trap and the penny dropped. Tbf, I was only 17 at the time
Butters69on420@reddit
Daytime running headlights ruined a lot and that is one of the parts of driving that is lost because most cars have lights already on during the day now. It was not like that 15+ years ago. Idk what years it changed but "back in the day" people would drive with their headlights off unless it was dark or fittin to be dark out and if your headlights were on during the day, everyone would let you know. Once the majority of cars daytime lights became standard, headlights flashing became obsolete.
ForwardCulture@reddit
It seems lately that where I live people have no idea what it means. A week or two ago I was driving though a residential neighborhood I used to live in that is full of deer and other wildlife. I passed a large group of deer as I was cresting a hill that was about to cross. I saw them start to cross in my rear view as I reached the top of the hill. Coming uphill in the opposite direction I see a car speeding up the hill. Speed limit there is 25 as it’s a residential area. It was a woman flying up the hill in a suv. I flashed repeatedly to warn about the deer. Sure enough a few seconds later I hear tires/brakes squealing.
A few more back I passed a cop on the side of the road. Seconds later I see a young guy flying going in thr cop’s direction. I flash twice and he did t even look at me. I see the cop’s lights turn on I. The rest view as that kid passed him.
I think it’s sort of a lost thing to do while driving and even freaks people out. In most parts of the country it’s not something that’s been passed on to new drivers. There’s a demographic that’s heavily moved into my area of the state that’s mostly new foreign drivers that look absolutely terrified to drive and drive like crap.
Prowlbeast@reddit
Im a younger person, 19. I know of this rule but honestly more often if someone is flashing their lights at me i assume theres something wrong with my car. A light burnt out, something dragging etc
RWaggs81@reddit
On/off means your light is off or out. Flashing brights means cops
RWaggs81@reddit
Every damn time.
Ya-Dikobraz@reddit
I stopped when the cops started going after people flashing lights.
fgreen68@reddit
Pretty sure it is some form of free speech.
Couldbelater@reddit
No different than reporting them on Google Maps and others
FoundationCareful662@reddit
When was that?
Slight-Selection4298@reddit
Yes. I don't "flash back" tho. Don't think I've seen anyone do that in 30+ years of travel
I used to drive 14+ hours a day, so I tried to help everyone out. If I seen them sitting, I'd flash people for the next 4-5 minutes (on the interstate)
bahthe@reddit
If you flash back, it gives the cops a heads up that someone flashed you, because you will be facing the cops. So, don't do it!
FoundationCareful662@reddit
So what. You would not be speeding
sirli00@reddit
Yes every time. It’s a dying courtesy that should be brought back
More_Law6245@reddit
All the time and I only do it during the day time! Unfortunately in most states and territories here it's illegal in one form or another. Most of the fines are attributed to "your lights blinding the on coming traffic but at the end of the day it's revenue raising.
Dentarthurdent73@reddit
But people only need to know if they're speeding, and if they're speeding, then stopping them is also about safety, no?
Literally no idea why people like to warn drivers that are putting other people at risk, that they might be caught.
Hope a speeding driver never injures anyone you care about.
More_Law6245@reddit
As a person in a past life who used to send frontline services to clean up after high speed driver's bad decisions I'm more than aware of what a speeding drive does and the devastation that they can cause. What I disagree with is having speed traps being the only tool to curb poor driver behaviour, there is nothing better than having actual presence on the road and that very presence been constrained by budget. I also object to the revenue not being injected back into road safety because governments are becoming reliant on the revenue for other things and derailing the very intention of the legislation.
But also from time to time people do actually loose focus on how fast they're going or they're just following the traffic flow. Flashing someone is just a friendly prompt, can you honestly tell me that you're always focused on your speed 100% of the time and never been distracted whilst driving?
biggspeed46@reddit
I use Waze and I still do a flash courtesy every time I see a speed trap.
Athos-1844@reddit
Waze. Most younger drivers have no idea why you are flashing your lights at them.
Having_A_Day@reddit
Every time.
Organic_Mix2282@reddit
Smart phones I think pretty much what killed it off. Use to travel lots with my father, before the phones or other crap people think they'll suffer without. One of two choices sleep or observe what he was doing. What I learnt was flash the head lights to warn of speed trap, and a single blink of the left turn signal was a way of saying "hi", this was only done for the truckers though.
Now they're crying if there's no signal.
DanDanDan0123@reddit
Used to but don’t anymore. Too many people driving too fast. Also found out that it’s not legal.
HairyEyeballz@reddit
Got pulled over once in my youth for doing this (mid-90s). Cop asked me if there was something wrong with my lights. I asked if there was some law against turning headlights on and off. He got his 10 minutes of giving me shit then sent me on my way. It's a First Amendment thing, 100% legal.
Grizzle_Da_Mahfka@reddit
Flashing your brights is probably illegal. Just the headlights should* be fine though.
*obligatory: I'm not a lawyer
GenExHusband@reddit
Shouldn't be illegal anywhere, it's a form of free speech.
Legitimate_Quote3652@reddit
Every single time that I see a cop
skiphandleman@reddit
This. Always. I appreciate the police, but they spend way too much time trying to raise money through minor traffic violations rather than protecting the community. Not the officers' fault. Just a bullshit government system designed to propagate itself.
Far-Wallaby-5033@reddit
you absolutely should flash a speed trap. It's you giving back to the community and a decent thing to do. And your car breathren will flashback. The other take every man for himself is childish
TrainingLow9079@reddit
I would think it meant "you have a headlight out" or "deer ahead"
sobuffalo@reddit
As kissed spot cars with a headlight out and you call, “padiddle”
emptiedglass@reddit
Or "Turn your damn headlights on, numbskull!"
Seriously can't believe how many people I see driving at night that need to be reminded of this.
TrainingLow9079@reddit
Whenever I flash my lights for that reason they never turn on their lights. It's weird. Maybe their reaction is just super delayed, but it makes me wonder if people don't know that's what it means.
cakevictim@reddit
Yeah I use it to signal “watch out for something” in my rural area
Trick_Praline_3316@reddit
I do sometimes, but I feel that most people already know via Waze.
Pineydude@reddit
Yes
NastyOlBloggerU@reddit
Nah. I use WAZE now
Dentarthurdent73@reddit
Nope. If people are speeding, I want them to get caught and fined.
It's pretty easy to just not speed if you don't want that to happen to you.
DoctorFrick@reddit
You'd better not be in the left lane.
Dentarthurdent73@reddit
We drive on the left in my country.
I keep left unless overtaking, like you're supposed to do on a multi-lane road.
I know people do things differently in the US though, as society there is more dysfunctional and fractured. I've heard that being a dickhead on the road is much more common.
DoctorFrick@reddit
Have you been to the US?
Dentarthurdent73@reddit
Yes, although it was a while ago now.
DoctorFrick@reddit
I hope you come back to visit sometime. Things are unusual at the moment, but when you're offline and encountering people in the open, it might surprise you how many loving and wonderful folks you'll encounter.
MotoXwolf@reddit
Yes. 👍
IM_The_Liquor@reddit
My new truck has a built in Google Maps. I just push the ‘cops’ button and everyone else with Google Maps can see there is police ahead…
thekabuki@reddit
Thank you for your service
backgroundnerd@reddit
I do but I am old and old school! :)
dbrmn73@reddit
I still do it.
Happy_Confection90@reddit
I flash my headlights to let other drivers know that there is a flock of turkeys milling in the road. That happens a lot more often than a lurking cop car.
Sea_Measurement_1654@reddit
Do you live in the Romanian alps, or what's that about? 🦃 🦃
Happy_Confection90@reddit
Wild turkeys. We have nearly 50,000 of them in New Hampshire and they enjoy crossing roads in big, slow moving, crowds.
Sea_Measurement_1654@reddit
Oh! Sounds like a sight.
Happy_Confection90@reddit
It really is. Usually it's hens and sometimes tiny babies, but I've seen young toms a couple of times who look like drawings of (live) turkeys for kids' Thanksgiving decorations...only they and their splendid tail feathers aren't much bigger than a chicken yet 😁
Sea_Measurement_1654@reddit
They're effectively in their wild habitat. That's great!
FlatSixFun@reddit
I brake for Turkeys more often than anything else, except for other distracted drivers.
ColdPepsi75@reddit
Here in Newfoundland we also flash our lights to alert others of a moose on the highway! Either way, slow down!
techie1980@reddit
You'd think the Moose could just be convinced to cross at the designated locations - usually marked by a sign.
LonelyMachines@reddit
When I was living in Wisconsin, a lady wrote an angry letter to the local newspaper. She was new to the state, and she hit a deer. She suggested the county put up a deer crossing sign at that intersection so the deer would know when to cross.
The paper printed it without comment. It didn't really need embellishment.
techie1980@reddit
I was referring to this: https://youtu.be/RFCrJleggrI
Same energy :-)
doglady1342@reddit
When I was in high school, we moved to a small, semi-rural town in northern Illinois. We had a deer overpopulation problem. Cop or deer, you slowed down if someone flashed their lights.
RandomObserver13@reddit
I used to but I generally don’t do this much anymore because Waze exists. Might still do it under certain circumstances but I barely travel outside my local area anymore so it’s pretty rare.
If on a highway I will still flash for a truck that just passed me, though that has also gotten pretty rare, I’m assuming because fewer owner-operators and tattle-tale devices keep speeds down.
stabbingrabbit@reddit
No I flash my lights to tell people to slow down. Whether that is a cop or deer in the road or an accident ahead.
Commercial_Lock6205@reddit
Same here. Mostly for deer.
ktappe@reddit
Yes, I do.
TimeenoughatlastTZ@reddit
So weird I just thought of this today! Was on a long winding road where I’ve seen cops before and I thought “would anyone get it is I flashed my lights if I saw a radar cop?” In the past, 100%. Now maybe 10%?
Sea_Measurement_1654@reddit
When I see some dangerous overtaking in the touristy roads I flash my lights to settle things down.
I don't wear my Karen cloak all the time but try to use my powers for good.
Coyote65@reddit
I hate to say outright, but the Cloak of Karen has always been a cursed artifact.
Charisma: -7
Intelligence: -8
Wisdom: -5
One plus, Stamina: +4
Everything else stays the same, but you have to role a natural twenty against each of the above in any situation to have success.
Rimailkall@reddit
Not anymore. If someone is speeding in my neighborhood I want them to get pulled over so the kids are safe.
Used to do it all the time when I was a young driver though and didn't think about these things more deeply.
AcanthocephalaDue715@reddit
I do it all the time
Electrical-Pie-8192@reddit
I just got flashed yesterday
TheJokersChild@reddit
Which watch did you buy off him?
NoCold597@reddit
I got in trouble with the cops for flashing before and now I’m on some type of list lol
Jaybonaut@reddit
What state? I doubt most judges would follow through if they tried to nail you with something
NoCold597@reddit
lol. It was a joke. It was supposed to be about me being nude and flashing and getting in trouble. I’m just waking up and might have not been clear enough with my words :)
fargoLEVY13@reddit
Yes
thewatchwinder@reddit
i never did that. you gonna speed, better pay attention. also, if someone else is speeding like that...better the cop follow them as a pick.
Russell_W_H@reddit
I'll do it if I think someone is speeding dangerously. Unless I just went past a cop.
mhoner@reddit
I bet you also called the cops when kids set up a lemonade stand while yelling about permits.
Overall-Register9758@reddit
Don't forget calling the IRS for tax evasion of all those undocumented sales!
mhoner@reddit
Oh speaking out against them at council meetings
Overall-Register9758@reddit
I rarely go to council meetings, but when I do, I rail against the machinations of the younger generation!
thewatchwinder@reddit
nope...kids get to do that. its a right of passage. but im not dumb enough to let a cop get me speeding if i can let soneone who isnt paying attention get taken.
burnitalldown321@reddit
Be a speeder, not the leader. I don't flash them.
SamHandwich0@reddit
Holy Cow! A ticket bootstrapper, i didnt know those existed.
Delicious-Tea-1564@reddit
I just did the othet day
jp112078@reddit
My gang made me wait for people to flash their beams when I had mine out as an initiation. We would then follow them, make them get out of the car, and then they would beat the shit out of us for such a stupid idea
BallisticHabit@reddit
You and your gang were supposed to use guns......
Excuse me while I return to salting Halloween candy with free drugs and razor blades.
This-Professional-39@reddit
I was always disappointed at the paucity of drug dealers willing to offer me drugs for free. Expectations were set!
Admirable_Whole_2763@reddit
Indeed it’s polite especially on i5
lcplscary@reddit
Even more helpful on 99. Lots more places to hide cruisers.
LadyNorbert@reddit
No, but I got pulled over a couple years ago because that's what the cop thought I was doing. I wasn't aware that the cop was even there, I was flashing another car because I thought they had their highbeams on. The guy let me go once I explained what I had been doing.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
Did you flash high beam or turn headlights on and off.
LadyNorbert@reddit
Flashed high beams
jimheim@reddit
Even if I did, I wouldn't expect anyone to flash back.
tarheelz1995@reddit
Yep. Flashing back was never a thing.
hatezel@reddit
Like please don't
turtle0831@reddit
This. I do it but it’s non-reciprocal.
kredtheredhead@reddit
I thought we all stopped that when we learned about gang initiations. 🤣
jjdlg@reddit
Wild how quickly that spread before the Internet was around!
freedom781@reddit
Just wait til you hear about Richard Gere!
LonelyMachines@reddit
That's because we don't appreciate people blasting us with their high beams.
ThirstyWolfSpider@reddit
Flashing headlights typically doesn't involve the high beams.
It's just a quick toggle and restore of the normal headlights, whatever their original state.
doglady1342@reddit
No.....? You flash your high beams. You don't turn the lights on and off.
FKpasswords@reddit
Yes
Lumbercounter@reddit
I once saw a helicopter hovering over the highway flashing a light. When I crested the hill, there was a cop running radar on the other side. I’m guessing that guy’s fuel bill was more than my ticket would have been.
magaketo@reddit
Yes.
AnnotatedLion@reddit
i got a ticket for this in Florida in the late 90s. There were two cops, one was a speed trap and the other was I guess speed trapping the other direction but he pulled me over.
NightGod@reddit
That has since been proven a first amendment protected activity
DryFoundation2323@reddit
I just let Google maps tell me. Presumably everyone else is doing the same thing.
BmanGorilla@reddit
Lots and lots of areas don’t have good enough cell coverage for that.
DryFoundation2323@reddit
You need to check into your settings on Google maps. Amazing what you can do if you try.
BmanGorilla@reddit
Ah there it is! “Show up to the minute weather and police reports in absence of any network connectivity”
BBennett40@reddit
If you feel the need to break the law, I'm not helping you avoid any consequences.
mpaloutz@reddit
This is where I'm at.
Nearby_Translator_55@reddit
I flash the headlights in the car and tap my helmet on the motorcycle.
FormerLaugh3780@reddit
Hell yeh, f$&ck the revenue collectors.
xologo@reddit
Just did it today
Ckn-bns-jns@reddit
I don’t expect them to flash back, the cop I’m trying to warn them about might pull them over for flashing their lights since they are heading in that direction.
Gavin_Tremlor@reddit
Right ... who the hell flashes back? The whole point is to be discrete as possible.
ChuckYeagerWV@reddit (OP)
I do, one quick flash, message received.
meat_sack@reddit
Just wave... like a normal person.
Ckn-bns-jns@reddit
Stop doing that!
Nice_Point_9822@reddit
This
Dalivus@reddit
Who flashes back?
LayerNo3634@reddit
No need to flash your lights. Google maps will tell you exactly where the cop is located and ask you if it's still there.
Anthropic_me@reddit
Not always accurate of up to date.
Anthropic_me@reddit
Yep. All the time. Also when there is something in the road and when someone is broken down.
TheGriff71@reddit
I do. I'm careful though because I have heard cops hate you doing it and will bust you. I haven't seen someone else do it in years.
Sawyer2025@reddit
I do it. If they complain, I can always say it is a safety warning, someone is parked on the side of the road or has someone pulled over on the side of the road and you need to slow down so no one is harmed. I also do it on speed traps.
Glittering_Heart1128@reddit
Take it to court, you will win under the 1st amendment. Still a hassle though.
Ok-Limit-9726@reddit
Stopped doing it close to 10 years ago as my state in NSW, AUSTRALIA banned it,
Only do now when other side coming up to an accident, or dangerous road conditions.
If people want to speed, let em pay a fine.
jeepjinx@reddit
It's been upheld as a 1st amendment right in the US.
mntlover@reddit
I do, screw the generator of state revenue.
SuchDogeHodler@reddit
Yes, and mark them in Google maps.
JonCocktoastin@reddit
Yes. Always.
Chuck-Finley69@reddit
The younger generations think flashing means only the "other" thing
Icy_Helicopter_9624@reddit
I think I’m either too old or just haven’t heard… what is the “other” thing?
gertymoon@reddit
I also do this when there is a hazard on the road like deers at night since so many people get into car wrecks here with them just sprinting across the road but the cop thing I don't think anyone even gets anymore.
Icy_Helicopter_9624@reddit
I do this every time.
ConclusionFlat1843@reddit
I wouldn't even know what that meant.
If I did I wouldn't care because I drive the speed limit.
Affectionate-Map2583@reddit
Yeah, but you can also flash lights as a warning about anything else a driver needs to be aware of - an accident, fallen tree, flooded area, loose dog, etc.
GhostFour@reddit
I live outside a southern, rural-ish town and passed a cop on the side of the road last week. I haven't had the opportunity to flash in years but when I did, I got waves, nods, and return flashing headlights. I didn't expect that and was pleasantly surprised to see the warning lives on! It's not all Waze and Maps.
Altruistic_Relief189@reddit
Where I grew up, the police would find a reason to give you a ticket for that so I got used to not doing it.
wetwater@reddit
Yup. I forget exactly what the ticket was for but something like unnecessarily using your high beams, unsafe vehicle lighting or something.
Initial-Text8394@reddit
Came here to say this
flagrantstickfoul@reddit
I’ve heard in Ontario that the ticket is likely to be something along the lines of impersonating an office because only the police and selection other services are allowed to have flashing lights on their vehicles. It’s BS, as no one would mistake a high-beam flash for police cherries, but the cops don’t like it so they may find a way to punish you
Throttlechopper@reddit
I primarily commute in a motorcycle and will tap my helmet to let fellow riders know that police are ahead of them. In my car, I figure the smart people use Waze or have a radar detector. I don’t speed excessively and turn the alerts off myself.
Humble_Diner32@reddit
I do. I did the other morning on the way to work.
mcache01@reddit
All the time
TheRealCabbageJack@reddit
I stopped when a second cop pulled me over for flashing my lights and, after telling me he knew what I was doing, wrote me a ticket for improper use of flashing lights and threatened to arrest me for obstructing law enforcement. Now I use Waze.
the__post__merc@reddit
If you’re driving away from the parked police car and your headlights are facing away from them, how do they see that you flashed your lights?
Apprehensive_Glove_1@reddit
If it's a decent setup, there is a radar and a few chase cars. Radar stays put and chase cars are further down the road to pick you off after a radio call.
That being said, they're going to have a hard time arguing against 1st amendment if you're warning about a traffic issue, which, even the cops will admit, they are.
TheRealCabbageJack@reddit
It was a second cop - I guess looking for speeders coming my direction
Apprehensive_Glove_1@reddit
Went to court for that several years ago and the judge didn't even let the cop talk. There is no law in my state against flashing lights to warn motorists of hazards. That was before Waze though...
Temporary-Block-9452@reddit
There have been court cases that ruled flashing your lights like that is actually legal. You shouldn't have been ticketed for that.
https://campbelllawobserver.com/and-the-courts-said-let-there-be-light/
fprintf@reddit
Yep in some states it is considered protected first amendment speech to flash your lights, but not here in CT. I know a few local and state cops and while they don’t love writing tickets for anything, preferring warnings, they do know they can do it if they feel it is warranted.
MaximumJones@reddit
I mark the cops on the Waze app but I also flash my lights for the older people who know what it means.
https://i.redd.it/mrasx0pn1s0h1.gif
B_Williams_4010@reddit
I usually do, but I don't think it's a well-known code for anyone born in this century. Plus most GPS programs have police alerts on them, now.
jeexbit@reddit
of course
JollyGiant573@reddit
Any road hazard, especially road bikes that think tiny two lanes roads are a good place to ride.
ytse411@reddit
I still flash my lights to let semi's know its safe to change lanes in front of me.
On a regular road only if there is debris/animal or something happening ahead of them. Speeders? Hope you get caught!
krebstorm@reddit
Yes! I still do this too. Especially when traffic is moderate, let em know it's safe to move
krebstorm@reddit
Yup. Was thinking about this the other day
Hummingbird11-11@reddit
I still do it!! If you see that flash out there - it's me !!!
Bushwazi@reddit
When there is a cop and or any other reason to slow down.
ZebraBorgata@reddit
No but I think it’s because now I am marking the cop on Waze instead.
butterflygardyn@reddit
I do. But when I've done it with my 20 something kids in the car, they didn't know what I was doing. Since Google maps, I think this practice is dying with geriatric gen-x-ers.
Lopsided_Panic_1148@reddit
I do. I figure if other drivers don't understand, they will soon enough, especially if they're speeding.
Particular_Ask2390@reddit
Absolutely
Locked_in_a_room@reddit
Yes.
Entirely-Positive@reddit
Every time and I mark it on Waze too. Fucking life is hard enough without copping bullshit revenue raising tax on top of everything else.
mysterioso77@reddit
I still do it and I appreciate it when someone flashes me a warning. Got the warning twice in the last week.
Finding_Way_@reddit
Same.
But it has been a long time since I've gotten the warning. When I did? I greatly appreciated it!!
Daghain@reddit
I do it for hazards in the road because I live where the elk think they own the place. Speeders are on their own.
I also flash my lights at semis passing me at night so they know they have room to get back over in my lane. I love it when they blink their taillights to say thank you.
Cheap-Definition-954@reddit
I get such a kick out of that taillight flash! It’s absurdly delightful.
qualityskootchtime@reddit
Now Waze and other navigation apps alert you when there are police in the area if you are using them while driving.
Azipcoder@reddit
I was always told by my parents that people (criminals) would shoot at me if I flashed my lights. They were just waiting for me to flash them. Was I the only one who got that talk?
EelsEverywhere@reddit
This, of course, never actually happened… but it’s a pretty well-known urban legend, I heard about this growing up as well. I think some police departments even had internal memos about it (but again, it never actually happened, right up there with razor blades in Halloween candy)
ThoseThievingBitches@reddit
no. i got it too. Also, my dad informed me that there were shotgun-wielding maniacs coming out of the sewers and i should stay home where its safe.
Unusual_Pineapple_94@reddit
Yes…. And wow
Turbulent-Demand873@reddit
I just hit the spot on “maps” that lets people around me know there’s police nearby.
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
Yeah but I think most of us have that alarm thing
Lalamedic@reddit
What alarm thing?
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
Lol I don’t know what it’s called. But an alarm beeps when there’s police ahead or if there’s a car in the emergency lane at highways. Well at least here in Europe.
Lalamedic@reddit
Ah. That explains why I’ve never heard of it here in Canada.
GAFOffRoadJK@reddit
I only flash those who drive with no lights at night.
nochickflickmoments@reddit
Ahh, they might turn around and get you!
HoneyBadger302@reddit
Depends on where, when, and who. Cop sitting near a residential/busy area where joy riders tend to be jerks? Nope, let them get nailed if they aren't courteous enough to slow down in those areas. Cop hiding out in no man's land just trying to nail anyone who isn't driving like grandpa in his RV? Yes, I'll let folks know if they aren't out there clearly driving/riding over their heads.
_drumtime_@reddit
This is the way to do it. Not everything is black and white.
DeaddyRuxpin@reddit
I don’t do it often any more simply because all the highways near me have been built up to the point the oncoming traffic probably won’t see me flashing my lights anyway due to the concrete median. The handful of highways that haven’t been changed to having a concrete barrier are so far apart there is usually woods between so you have no direct line of sight.
Plus, cops near me don’t stop cars for speeding on the highways. They only stop low altitude aircraft. The people doing the speeds you need to do to get pulled over aren’t paying attention to someone flashing lights, and honestly are driving so much faster than everyone else they are dangerous and probably should be stopped.
__redruM@reddit
Yes, you’re supposed to flash back?
InevitableCodeRedo@reddit
I do, especially in speed traps. Those are all over the place in NY.
BmanGorilla@reddit
Yup. Stopped being about safety along time ago in this state. We’re all in it together. I wish they were out there writing tickets where it mattered, but they’re just trying to get cash.
Performer5309@reddit
Not any more since someone pointed out you could potentially be warning traffickers.
DeaddyRuxpin@reddit
Warning them of what? A speed trap? Anyone involved with trafficking is going to be smart enough to know you never break two laws at once.
And seriously what are the odds a car you warn of a speed trap is a trafficker? Should people stop putting it into Waze as well because it might tip off someone committing another crime not to speed there?
Performer5309@reddit
Spouse is law enf. You would be surprised at out stupid people are.
You do you.
BmanGorilla@reddit
What? Warning traffickers about a speed trap? I’d like to think that I’m not surrounded by so many traffickers that this is even a valid thought.
ggibby@reddit
I do the off/on for jackasses with no lights in fog and rain (usually pickup trucks).
The highways by me are separated, so I update Android Auto with where the bear's at.
Twisted_lurker@reddit
Thanks. Sometimes I’m that jackass. (It happens when I take my car to get worked on and I have to turn my lights from Auto to Off, then I forget about it.)
redneck_samurai_dude@reddit
Also… I would do a double-flash… that’s what I knew as the cop signal… the single flash was for somebody driving with their brights on. Either way, any flash back or acknowledgement was unnecessary and/or frowned upon. Cops can’t see my lights at that point, but they can still see yours… if you flash them, they gonna be looking at you…
Sandover5252@reddit
Yes. The code.
Sandover5252@reddit
Of course.
Resident-Condition-2@reddit
I still do.
LetThem_1972@reddit
I used to flash my headlights for two reasons: someone's headlights were off or someone's brights were on. This used to be the universal (at least where I grew up) signal and people almost always reacted to it by turning on their headlights or their brights off. No one has reacted to the flash in like 15 years, so I stopped doing it.
-NachoBorracho-@reddit
Every time I’ve flashed other cars for these reasons the last few years, nobody responds. If someone is driving without their lights on at all, I’ll flash ‘em multiple times, and nobody turns their lights on anymore. Fucking idiots.
redneck_samurai_dude@reddit
Yes… absolutely.. and also tap the top of my helmet when on the motorcycle.. I do think the percentage of folks that understand what I’m doing is diminishing and I probably look loony tunes… but I’m gonna keep doing it until I don’t care or die. GenX life mantra right there
The_Man_in_Black_19@reddit
I'm GenX and had no idea. I also never owned a motorcycle.
Bright-Form730@reddit
Same, and I’ve seen motorcyclists do that, I just thought their head itched or something 😂
BecauseISaidSo888@reddit
I still do
Angry_GorillaBS@reddit
Not anymore. Doesn't seem very common. I'll note it in my maps app though.
Responsible-Bee1194@reddit
Nah, I just put it in waze and keep on driving
lopix@reddit
This is the way
lopix@reddit
Not any more, no one gets it.
Alarming_Star_6549@reddit
Nope
GonerDoug@reddit
FYI, when on a motorcycle or bicycle, the equivalent is to pat the top of your head with one hand.
FTP
Anonymo123@reddit
i was told by coworkers who ride, if I am in a car tapping my roof its similar? how would they know I'm not just jamming out?
GonerDoug@reddit
Maybe they mean with your arm out the window tapping downward on the roof?
Anonymo123@reddit
thats what i mean as well.. if i am listening to something i will do that sometimes. am i telling all the motorcycle riders there are cops ahead? lol
J2thaG@reddit
valsalva_manoeuvre@reddit
Waze is a better way of letting others know.
Prestigious-Echo-164@reddit
Every time I see a speed trap.
FlippingPossum@reddit
I do if there is a road hazard. I figure most cops are parked and doing paperwork.
MrRetrdO@reddit
I still flash mine as a warning.
Even if a cop stopped me for it, Well Gee Officer I was just warning oncoming traffic about the several deer crossing the highway. Didn't you see them??
omysweede@reddit
I like to surprise them by flashing headlights for livestock on the road or wild life.
Cop? Moose? Stay alert and don't speed.
Also I flash people speeding just to get them to slow down. You're welcome, pal.
Viking603@reddit
Did this because of a delivery truck around a sharp bend.
RoyalPuzzleheaded259@reddit
I don’t. I used to but I realized why do I care if some dude going the other way gets a ticket.
damageddude@reddit
When I use Google/Anro8d on my car GPS it warns me there are police ahead. If I see them I click the yes option when asked if still there.
With most cars having daylight running lights these days I don't think I'd notice someone flashibg lights at me anyway.
Claque-2@reddit
Do the flash, whether a cop is there or not.
CorsairExtraordinair@reddit
Why would they flash back if the cop is your direction??
omysweede@reddit
Cops usually have stops set up on both sides of the road.
trentluv@reddit
The primary interpretation of a flash is that someone's headlights are off
So that's the number one message you're putting out
omysweede@reddit
Uh, no. Do you drive during daylight or just at night?
If the latter, they KNOW their lights are out and if the former, how do you know their lights are off?
everydave42@reddit
Or high beams are on…
Hefty_Debt_638@reddit
I just did this the other day!
Infamous-Lab-8136@reddit
Here if you get caught cops can stop you, or used to
Frankly I'm not going to risk it. Cops pretty much give a 10 MPH buffer already, if you're going 90 or faster on the interstate I'm okay with seeing you get a ticket, in a residential zone I'm even more okay with it considering the number of children we've had hit here
Ok-Street7504@reddit
I did the light flash when I was younger, also the head or helmet tap when I had a street bike.
Candygramformrmongo@reddit
Used to, but people drive like such assholes now that I'd gladly pay for them to get tickets.
notevenapro@reddit
No. We have speed cameras and have not seen a speed trap in 15 years. BUt if I did, I wood. 😉
rm78noir@reddit
Yes I do.
ReggaeDawn@reddit
I've never of that. What part of the country were you doing this in? Where I grew up if you're flashing your headlights with someone it's because they forgot to turn theirs on.
jimheim@reddit
It was very common all over the NY/NJ/PA area up until the 2010s or so, and people still do it, but rarely these days. I don't think younger generations know it's a thing.
ooomellieooo@reddit
We had no screens. Just hours and hours of watching our parents drive shittily.
sunny_gym@reddit
People do it in the Southeast, too. But we don't expect or want them to flash back in response
the_answer_is_RUSH@reddit
The way assholes drives today, I’m not helping anyone.
stringfellow-hawke@reddit
Lulz. I was bitching to the wife and how stupid and reckless people drive as if their safety is everyone else’s responsibility and she said I just got old.
No, everyone is starring at their phones and high AF.
Far_Side_Base@reddit
Yep. Folks have flashed for my benefit, and I continue to do the same for others.
I_love_Hobbes@reddit
No but I flash to let them know that elk or deer are in the road.
bgthigfist@reddit
Yeah or when traffic is stopped up the road.
When I was younger I would, but after I started getting older I figured that people driving too fast made the roads less safe and that they should get a ticket if they were going too fast
AmazingGrace911@reddit
Only if it’s an animal or object in the road.
If they don’t have their headlights on when they should , I turn mine off and on again. I would want someone to do the same for me.
Peeps70@reddit
I flash oncoming traffic but not my headlights
Manderthal13@reddit
Yes and report it on WAZE app.
Its_noon_somewhere@reddit
When highway 400 south in Vaughn has a bunch of reckless idiots doing 150-170 in a 100 zone I will drop a cop or two on Waze just to slow the fools. I’m not talking about your typical speeder, I’m talking about a bunch of idiots weaving around traffic obviously travelling together.
Phantomtastic@reddit
That was never a thing where I lived.
Its_noon_somewhere@reddit
Where was that?
Phantomtastic@reddit
California.
hendooman@reddit
I don’t do it on the highway but around my suburb residential area it is easy to go 45 downhill in a 35, I give them the flash courtesy, on the highway I don’t bother.
destructor212@reddit
I used to but don't anymore. People drive so recklessly that I am okay with them getting tickets.
IndianaSucksAzz@reddit
This is my attitude. I’m on the road every week for work and pretty much hate 50% of the assholes on the road. I smile a little when I see red and blue lights.
One-Hand-Rending@reddit
I used to do that all the time until a cop relative said...."Good idea, let all the shitfaced drunks know we're around the corner".
I know it feels like a money grab most of the time, but cops really are there primarily for our safety. Let them catch these a$$holes making it difficult for the rest of us.
11systems11@reddit
It's a money grab. If it wasn't they'd be writing tickets in the rain. You never see that.
One-Hand-Rending@reddit
I see cops writing tix in the rain all the time.
MinusGovernment@reddit
Well if you're doing something egregious enough to get pulled over in the rain it will definitely be a ticket. They aren't gonna pull people over for lesser violations that they might if it's not raining/snowing or cold AF outside.
peptide2@reddit
Found the teachers rat .
One-Hand-Rending@reddit
Yeah, I had a nephew die from a drunk driver, I sort of tend towards wanting them caught.
LtLemur@reddit
No. If people are speeding/driving recklessly, I say let them get pulled over
Brilliant-Onion2129@reddit
That is a shitty attitude.
Brilliant-Onion2129@reddit
I have and rarely see brake lights indicating they are slowing down. Maybe they weren’t going fast but almost never get any acknowledgment.
Dapper_Size_5921@reddit
I do, I just no longer know if anyone understands what it means anymore because I rarely see it done by others.
Doc-Milsap@reddit
I did when I lived in Texas. Cops in Texas are trash and nobody deserves that. Not so much anymore though now that I’m back up north.
BusyMap9686@reddit
Must be regional. We would flash our interior dome lights. But no, no one communicates on the road at all anymore. No flashing lights to let a passing car know they have room. No one uses turn signals anymore.
Every-Cook5084@reddit
lol dome light? That’s weird. How could anyone possibly see that
Bogside_Bibliophile@reddit
Yes, hoping folks still understand what that means.
Phantomtastic@reddit
I first heard about it being used that way a couple years ago here on Reddit.
Competitive_Hand_394@reddit
I dont... you know you're going too fast, take your medicine.
SirPisserOfGreatness@reddit
Of course you 80 years old. You probably shouldn't be driving at your age.
Greedy_Street_891@reddit
Funny bc someone just gave me the warn the other day. Had been a long time since I’ve seen it.
PhiloLibrarian@reddit
I do this for cops or accidents all the time. Who cares if they know why I'm flashing...
Gorilla1969@reddit
I do it sometimes. I think it's just confusing people if I flash at someone anywhere other than on a major highway though.
On local roads it just confuses people, as someone could interpret it as "Yo, turn off your high beams!", cops ahead, deer in the road, or even "Hey lunatic, make a U-turn and road rage at me for a while!", soooo... only on the highway.
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
If someone is speeding, I want them to get pulled over.
Gavin_Tremlor@reddit
Right. we need to make sure the cops are out here earning money for the State. Catching actual criminals is just not profitable.
doctor_machinegun@reddit
agreed, pal 👍🏻
slyroast@reddit
I do it but never knew I was supposed to flash back
Manderthal13@reddit
You can just acknowledge with a hand wave.
Bl8kStrr@reddit
No, I don’t give a shit if your driving like an asshole and get a ticket
DokZayas@reddit
Moving along just fast enough to get a ticket does not mean that you're driving like an asshole.
doctor_machinegun@reddit
eh. doesnt matter. you get whatever you got coming to you
AintNobodygotime13@reddit
just stay out of the fast lane 😂
SloppyMeathole@reddit
Reporting them on Waze is more satisfying.
myleftone@reddit
Yep. We’re all in this together.
TravellinJ@reddit
I report it on Google Maps.
big_lv@reddit
I tag them on waze.
If their goal with the speed trap is to slow people down, it does that.
If their goal is to write tickets, they're going to be upset.
I read a reddit post a few months ago where a cop would tag himself on waze, and if you were still speeding through there, it was your own damn fault.
Apprehensive_Glove_1@reddit
It's revenue generation. Some towns make all their money on speed traps.
Dino_Spaceman@reddit
Ditto. I remember a big Facebook thread in my community where folks complained about people notifying of a speed trap.
Yours is the right argument. It gets far more people to slow down for the entire day than the 1-2 caught by a cop.
The cop is still there for the egregious speeders.
littleliongirless@reddit
Yep, I do it on Google Maps as well.
Sloth_grl@reddit
When ever i can.
Pristine_Software_55@reddit
Nope, not anymore. Now I wish for more policing . Drivers are so awful, now - more of them should be caught.
plasticrat@reddit
Yep, still do it, any chance I get.
Spridlewv@reddit
Yes. I’ve always done that, even though I assume 75% of the recipients of my courtesy are too inattentive to notice or even have a clue what it means.
thasparzan@reddit
No, in California, that's a good way to get yourself shot
Dino_Spaceman@reddit
Used to. Don’t need to anymore with Google.
NoneyaBizzy@reddit
Be careful! https://www.reddit.com/r/AmIFreeToGo/comments/1jkue2l/arrested_for_laughing_lawsuit_update_officer_gets/
Cop was clearly a jerk. I think the driver is suing and I hope he wins.
Apprehensive_Glove_1@reddit
That cop had many other complaints, iirc, and wound up working elsewhere.
KurtStation68@reddit
On long roadtrips between towns, yes. But not in town or short trips. I still lay on the horn traveling through a tunnel.
Full_Mission7183@reddit
I am pretty sure that's why they put horns on vehicles.
Dr_StrangeloveGA@reddit
We don't have any tunnels around here, I miss them from where I grew up. We blew the horn every time.
HissTankDriver@reddit
Not since people started going over 100 mph.
Dear_Departure_1768@reddit
I used to but my current car has automatic lights/high beams and if I mess with it then I forget to make them automatic again. So, basically I'm just a lazy idiot at this point.
Fancy-Leadership-487@reddit
Well, that would be illegal
Upstairs-Storm1006@reddit
How is that illegal? Seems like any law against that would be a blatant first amendment violation. Flashing your lights to notify others of something is speech. Certainly no safety reason to suppress that aspect.
slyroast@reddit
exactly. If I know the police are setting up a prositution ring and I tell a guy "that is a cop" how is that illegal?
Temporary-Block-9452@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/GenX/comments/1tbc3de/comment/olfn72a/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Helmett-13@reddit
Not in Florida.
Got pulled for it and he ranted but let me go ‘with a warning’ for absolutely nothing.
BBorNot@reddit
I got pulled over for this once. Lol. Just a warning.
ChromeYoda@reddit
Just did that yesterday on the expressway.
BRT349@reddit
Not when I'm driving my unmarked cruiser.
corbett252627@reddit
oh I still do it and watched people speeding in the opposite direction go speeding by me then after dropping my kids at practice and returning both of the cars were pulled over.
RevToy@reddit
Yep. Unless I’m on the bike, and then it’s a helmet tap.
mrkstr@reddit
I do but I don't know if anyone still understands the signal.
dakky68@reddit
No, because if they're speeding they deserve to get caught.
fruitless7070@reddit
Yes.
fredout1968@reddit
All the time...
MalcolmApricotDinko@reddit
I know I’m getting old because I stopped doing this a few years ago because there are way too many fast, dumb, aggressive drivers on the road and they deserve to get tickets.
That being said, I flashed my high beams recently when there was a dog wandering around on the edge of the road and I wanted to try to keep doggo safe
PerspectiveBig7338@reddit
Happened to me over the weekend. Totally forgot about it until someone did it during the daytime. Sure enough, state patrol about half a mile away.
aceshighdw@reddit
Always, especially if it's one of those situations where the speed drops dramatically like entering a small town. Even did it when I lived on a boat and had to dinghy to shore, always gave a heads up when a FWC was hiding nearby.
Anonymo123@reddit
i used to but i haven't been flashed in ages (pun intended?)... so i stopped. I will def if i see deer or something more dangerous.
Helmett-13@reddit
Just did it about 20 mins ago. I only saw brake lights on one of them.
Someone’s gotta find the mines in the minefield, I suppose.
STRUGGLING_TO_REMAIN@reddit
Elder Millennial checking in, I still do that. I think it has to do with growing up with long dark stretches of road nearby. Not sure if you would have learned this if you grew up in a city.
acn0319@reddit
I did this the other day when there was an accident around a blind curve - more a slow down and less a cop ahead thing. This was also on a rural forested road with no internet I.e. I couldn’t report on Waze.
TertlFace@reddit
Still? Never done it once in 52 years on this planet.
AintNobodygotime13@reddit
there's no need to. if you care about cops just use waze
and it tells you EXACTLY where they are instead of having to guess after somebody flashes you
Ashton42@reddit
no, what if they turn around and kill you??
JackWylder@reddit
Yup
Secret-Function-2972@reddit
Used to.
Now that's what Waze is for.
NeighborhoodNo4274@reddit
Patting the top of one’s helmet with your left hand is still regularly used by motorcyclists to warn other riders about a cop.
naruda1969@reddit
Is this what we do here…ask the same dull questions over and over?
Athrynne@reddit
Really depends on where you are in the country.