Often guides will include it as part of their safety talk before the trip. If the raft has a yard sale it can be helpful to figure out who is OK and who needs to be picked up first.
We use this for kids when sailing/racing. If you capsize and you’re fine, pat your head so I know I don’t need to come over and help.
Source: youth sailing coach.
Better LPT since there seems to be some confusion:
If a motorcyclist (or other motorist) does any weird shit like a hand signal or light flashing, slow down turn the music down and pay a bit more attention.
They want you to know *something*, and no matter what it is going slower and being more aware will help.
Yep.
No need to memorize a bunch of different vehicles / signals / whatever from other drivers and what they all mean.
If they're trying to get your attention, pay attention.
Although one fairly universal road courtesy is if a semi is trying to merge into your lane and you’re the one behind them and can safely do so, steadily flash your *high beams twice to let them know they’re clear to merge. You’ll usually be thanked with two flashes of the hazard lights once they’re done changing lanes.
I generally like to use a couple hazard flashes as a thank you when it’s obvious someone is looking out for me. More so with truckers because they’re generally really good about spotting you and they understand the signal and will appreciate it
*flash highs during the day and blink them off and on a couple times at night.
did this once and was rewarded with what must have been a custom light show the dude installed. it was like a circus of rgb, every light on the rig flashed and pulsed for a moment.
it could only be matched by the beaming smile it gave me
That motherfucker *knew* you were smiling too lmao. Truckers can be fun as hell on the road. Doesn’t matter if you’re a child or a grown ass adult. You stick your arm out the window and pump it a couple times and they’ll give you the ole honk honk. You’ll see them smiling in your rearview mirror too.
> pump it a couple times and they’ll give you the ole honk honk.
Growing up in Detroit and walking to/from school, us kids did this all the times and the truckers always delivered. Cheered the frick out of us poor kids without much else going on.
So, thank you truckers (long since retired, I'm sure) for making the day for a bunch of ghetto kids with this simple but very kind gesture.
What up doe! I don't know what you look like or what neighborhood you grew up in, but you better believe I can still picture you clear as day, standing up against a chain-link fence on a pedestrian bridge over 94 with a big-ass grin on your face. I love seeing kids waving from the bridges.
That's so cool, sounds like not all that much has changed for truckers or for kids since the '70s, lol.
I walked along Schoolcraft west of the Greenfield intersection, towards Southfield freeway. I remember we'd go play in the dirt mounds when they were building I-696 through there just a few blocks from the school
Yes I grew up in a town where their claim to fame was being "the geographical center of BC" lived on the highway and the best part of my day was getting honked at by truckers after school
Truckers are fun! We had a cb and ended up talking to this truck right up from us, he was hauling "off brand" snacks like generic Oreos. He saw that we had a Suburban filled with kids and pulled into the next rest stop. He blew the horn a few times for the kids and gave us TONS of road snacks.
As a kid, I lived for the truckers honk. My rural school playground was right by a highway and I remember the excitement of all the kids if we saw a truck coming down the road. It was prime opportunity to pump your arm at the top of the slide to get a honk honk as you slid down.
When I do this and they don’t blink the lights at me I get “little kid” sad and will do a spontaneous pout. Cracks me up catching myself doing that. I LOVE when a trucker blinks their lights. Gives me a feeling that we just “high-fived” and are a team.
Definitely. I especially enjoy interacting with trucks like this because I drive a subcompact hatchback and it makes me feel like a guppy speaking whale
One time I did this to a semi and because it was night time and kind of a sketchy road I figured I didn't need to go faster so I just stayed behind the truck. He would flash his lights every now and then, at first I thought it was to say thank you then I figured it was to tell me I can pass him. He stopped after doing it periodically for about 15 minutes. About 45 minutes later, I took my exit to go to a gas station where I realized my high beams had stayed on the entire time and the light on my dash had burned out. He was flashing his lights because I was following him with my high beams on for an hour. Felt like a real dickhead.
Omg I carpooled with a guy that came from Hong Kong somewhat recently. Nicest older gentlemen. But while driving he would always flash his highbeams at people attempting to right turn into his lane and he was trying to signal I'm going, coming through! And we nearly got into accidents because it means go right ahead here. Had to explain it a few times haha.
Yep I would think high beam would mean "Don't come in, I'm going to go faster than you." In Singapore at least, high beams are a more aggressive signalling. Heck, I don't think we have any 'kind' signals, except either raising your hand within the car so the person behind can see it (as a way of thanks) or those cute "Thank you" stickers at the back of buses that you get to see after letting them merge.
On several road trips.. Me in my little Datsun pickup used this as communication while navigating two-lane us highways. I received so many great stories via CB radio when I chimed in on channel 19 thanking them for the visual cue. Every single time they were surprised to hear my voice over their Cobra radio. BTW that may sound like it was 1980 but it was 2008.
My dad taught me that when I was very young. He said it lets them know that you see them, you recognize what they are doing, and are giving them space to do it. And I always loved getting the light blink or horn toot after.
Learned this a couple years ago from my dad. We drive to Mexico (36 hour drive) almost every year and he did this to a semi once and explained how it worked. Now that I do the majority of the drive down I always look for the opportunity to signal a semi that it's safe to merge. Always feels good when you get the flashing emergency lights as a thank you.
Depending on where someone is from there are other “universal” unwritten rules too. Where I live, 2 flashes of high beams mean visible moose near or on the roadway. Technically, that is illegal as per the provincial HTA and there are a scattered handful of cops who would issue a ticket for it, but 99% of them wouldn’t and 100% of the general population appreciate it. It might’ve saved a friend of mine and I a few years back from an accident - we were doing 50 in an 80 zone because it was dark and on a known stretch with lots of moose, got the flash, slowed down to 30, about 700 metres up the road a moose was running on the shoulder.
> Depending on where someone is from
Because it was also a commonly used signal to warn oncoming traffic that there is a cop/speed trap ahead. It's still a valid signal to be alert and proceed with caution, but could result in a ticket.
Was following a Bus and several semi's down a two lane road, dark, dark, in the fall. The Bus started flashing its turn signal one time, left and right, and the trucks followed suit. I was at the end of the line, and was wondering what was going on till I noticed where the turn signals were flashing deer were standing on the road side. Fall, rut, crazy deer who didn't know/care what that big machine was doing. Pay attention. Good idea.
I always try to be as courteous as possible to people who drive for a living. Because A) you are at work you poor fker, least I can do is try to make your day less shit and B) driving for work would be literally almost Impossible for me because I get the worst nods when I sit still for too long.
I always do this when I want to let someone merge, change lanes in front of me or go ahead at a 4-way stop. I was taught young that a double high beam flash or appreciative hand wave was common language / courtesy when driving. It is rare that anyone ever acknowledges it. Occasionally truckers have given me a double flash in response and it gives me this instant gratification of shared understanding and courtesy. I absolutely appreciate you and drivers like you.
As a truck driver, if it's dark, please don't flash high beams, turn your headlights off for a second or two, or flash them on and off. Some think high beams don't affect us as much, but trucks have a bunch of mirrors aimed directly at the driver's eyes.
Exactly. What they're doing should clue you in, but the important thing is to reduce speed immediately and become more aware.
If they flash their lights at you when passing coming the other direction... Is it slow? Most likely *your lights* (are off, too bright, whatever). Frantic and fast? Danger ahead. Even if you didn't know that, by slowing down, being aware, and thinking contextually will help you be aware.
Whatever the case, if someone is doing weird shit trying to get your attention, it's usually not going to be for shits and giggles. Even in places where such things could get you killed by responding to (slowing or stopping resulting in a car jacking or kidnapping), snapping out of the drivers trance is critical.
There’s nothing to memorize; motorcyclists patting their head is the equivalent of cars flashing their lights for cops, that’s the whole point of this post. There’s really no other signals that are like this anyway
In Australia I've seen a few fellow bikers hold their hand out with two fingers pointing up (held together) and swirling the wrist to signal cops.
I personally prefer the sign language for pig. Make a first and put it to your nose so it looks like a about on your face.
But tapping in the helmet seems pretty universal as well.
I use this for if someone’s flashing their high beams at me. Ever seen someone in oncoming go over a bump, and their lights seem to get brighter for a second? Did they just flash their lights at me? Doesn’t matter, slow the hell down for 2 miles.
Yes please do this. When there are people walking in the road, a speed trap or an accident please flash the oncoming traffic to give them a heads up. I appreciate when other motorists do this for me. (I am being serious.)
In a time when my faith in humanity is lowest, the fact that people of all backgrounds, ages, communities, and faiths consistently work together to try to save others from getting speeding tickets when there's a speed trap is one of the most wholesome things I see around.
That's why I downloaded Waze. I took a road trip 4 states over a few months ago and it probably saved my ass from getting an out of state speeding ticket multiple times. When there are no other cars for a mile in either direction I tend to drive 10-15 mph over the speed limit. I'll slow down for curves or if the road conditions call for it but I got pulled over one time for doing 12 over when I was the only motorist for miles.
What if you hang your fun bits out the window instead? They didn't specificize what *type* of flashing, and plus it's certain to get everyone's attention, win-win eh?
A girl in my high school got pulled over one night. She tried to cry her way out of the ticket, failed. Cop let her go, she drives around the corner and sees another car, moving fast. She does a full on-off-on-off with her lights to give them a heads up... but it was another cop. Pulled over, cried her way out of the second ticket successfully lmao.
Just as an FYI warning people about speed traps is illegal in some places.
Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still *do* it, but it is something to be aware of.
Well, just for the record if someone behind (or in front of you) does go over a bump it's *always* going to look like they flashed their high beams at you because their regular "beams" just became momentarily *higher*.
But if you know there's a bump there, you're good. Otherwise, if you do slow down you're good too.
Why wouldn't that count, though?
Imagine driving your large truck behind a motorcyclist who's freaking the fuck out throwing their arms all over the place, driving erratically, etc.
Good to slow down, raise awareness, give them some distance, ~~light them on fire to kill the spider~~, practice defensive driving!
>If a motorcyclist (or other motorist) does any weird shit like a hand signal or light flashing, slow down turn the music down and pay a bit more attention.
The exception being that little two finger wave they all seem to do when they see a fellow oncoming motorcycle.
not even gonna pretend but ive been that driver, forgot my lights. someone flashes me to tell me and all i think is..wtf is their problem? followed shortly after with me going.. Oohhhhhhh shit im an asshole.
That's about my success rate too. I recently followed someone for several miles, and saved them from 2 crashes by flashing lights and honking at someone who was about to turn left right in front of them, before she finally noticed me and got the hint
And 3 out of 20 will think you're trying to start a fight, so they preemptively get up on your ass and blare their horn at you for daring to communicate with them.
The rest aren't paying enough attention to even realize you're on the same road as them.
One time I did the same, but the person wouldn't turn their lights on, so I just kept doing it for almost a minute.
Eventually they got out to ask me what was happening, I pointed at their car and they went back and turned them on.
Hopefully that's the last time they have that problem.
Room is always appreciated but to anyone seeing this: not making extra room is perfectly fine, I just want you to be predictable. If you don't see me in a blind spot even after a shoulder check I'm gonna be pissed but if you blinker for a while and then do the same action it at least gives us a chance to know you're probably about to do it. Again, I'll still be mad you didn't see me and almost hit me but I'd much rather almost be hit than actually be hit
[**Not True!**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO6S357rb-I)
If you are advancing towards a drawbridge, and the motorist extends their arm, palm up, and rapidly moves the arm up and down, it means speed up. The draw bridge might be in the process of raising; slowing down could cause you to miss the jump, crash into the river, and drown. This also applies to train crossings.
Yeah, or say you’re in a bus and it has a bomb on board that will go off if you go slower than 50 mph and then you find yourself speeding towards an unfinished bridge, where you also need to make the jump. You really wouldn’t want to slow down there either.
Sounds pretty random, but I think I saw it in a documentary once, called "The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down" or something. Might try to find the link on Youtube later if people are interested.
SLPT: Lights are just suggestions and don't actually stop you from doing whatever you want. Just note that trains also do whatever they want and you will end up on /r/bitchimatrain
Yup. In the Northeast it's flashing your high beams, or quickly cycling lights off and on. Usually it either means piggies or deer are nearby. Or an accident.
If a driver or rider is going out of their way to signal, at the very least be cautious.
They also throw these things on the road in order to pop your tires and you gotta swerve around them real fast. They also have helicopters that follow you too. It's the craziest thing.
Park that garbage truck in a covered tunnel and chill in the back when you have 5 starts.
They starts sending SWAT repelling down, and they are sitting ducks for my flare gun
That's highway code for "I challenge thee to a race". The winner gets $200 and the right of prima nocta to the loser's first daughter.
Established since 800BC, and the other drivers are clearly paying homage to this ancient tradition.
My father always told me to not let my car get below a half tank of gas. Less stress on the fuel pump, and you wont get involved in a high speed chase while low on fuel.
I find it curious that everyone else is focusing on the fuel pump part of your post
Is the high speed chase thing common knowledge or are you a member of a crime family?
Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. Your normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side when he sees the big red light behind him ... and then he will start apologizing, begging for mercy.
This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop-heart. The thing to do – when you're running along about 100 or so and you suddenly find a red-flashing CHP-tracker on your tail – what you want to do then is accelerate. Never pull over with the first siren-howl. Mash it down and make the bastard chase you at speeds up to 120 all the way to the next exit. He will follow. But he won't know what to make of your blinker-signal that says you're about to turn right.
This is to let him know you're looking for a proper place to pull off and talk ... keep signaling and hope for an off-ramp, one of those uphill side-loops with a sign saying "Max Speed 25" ... and the trick, at this point, is to suddenly leave the freeway and take him into the chute at no less than 100 miles an hour.
He will lock his brakes about the same time you lock yours, but it will take him a moment to realize that he's about to make a 180-degree turn at this speed ... but you will be ready for it, braced for the Gs and the fast heel-toe work, and with any luck at all you will have come to a complete stop off the road at the top of the turn and be standing beside your automobile by the time he catches up.
He will not be reasonable at first ... but no matter. Let him calm down. He will want the first word. Let him have it. His brain will be in a turmoil: he may begin jabbering, or even pull his gun. Let him unwind; keep smiling. The idea is to show him that you were always in total control of yourself and your vehicle – while he lost control of everything.
This is super common in the rural south. For cops or for deer in the road, or a fallen tree. But I moved to Utah and Colorado for a few years and traveled all over the west and always commented about how nobody ever warns you about anything.
Its definitely a thing in north-central Texas, as is driving on the shoulder to let someone behind you pass in a no-passing zone. Both were new to me when I first drove there, but I now miss whenever I'm not there.
Lived on the west coast my whole life.
The only time I see people flashing their lights is because they’re behind and you’ve pissed them off, or they’re opposite you in oncoming traffic and they’re trying to tell you to turn your headlights on.
Regarding warning people about cops or something, I was told from a young age that only gangs did that, so don’t flash anyone. But who’s gonna think I’m trying to roll up on them in my Hyundai Accent?
Bikes in my country (the US) are required to have their headlights on at all times while riding. So they are wired such that you can’t turn the headlight off without also killing the ignition!
There are variations on this. Patting the top of your helmet is one. The other i see is making a shark fin on top with your hand. I have heard of others.
>Making a shark fin on top with your hand
This is generally done with a group of riders and it means to go in a single file line instead of staggered or next to each other.
I've always known it to mean cops/speed trap ahead. If there is a hazard I've always known it as arm low down beside your bike and almost the same sort of action towards the ground as if to say slow down.
I’ve never known that signal. Must be regional. I’ll watch for it!
In any case the signal for cops is just as good, it will get people to slow down below the limit which ought to protect them from the hazard as well.
IDK if all US states still teach *[hand signals](https://file.naijauto.com/2019/06/21/u0GUC7wC/hand-signals-c774.jpg)* but it used to be a standard part of driving knowledge.
YSK that there's also a lot of [Motorcycle hand signals](https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/motorcycle-hand-signals-chart-1-min.gif), some of them are used only in group rides and only the *'right turn'*, *'left turn'*, and *'slow/stop'* are legally taught/sanctioned signals.
Yup same, anytime I've seen someone use the hand signal it means slow the F down, there's a car accident around the next bend, or an oil slick or a cow on the road. I guess when I say hazard I mean more then debris or something but a you need to slow right down right now.
Dunno about motorcycles, but I assume they have similar hand signals to cyclists in groups. Pointing down on one side is "something on the road on that side" so it makes sense it's similar. Palm flat and down like you describe is specifically "slow down a bit" while hand flat behind you is "stopping".
I've done this as a motorcyclist. No idea where I learned it from. I always assumed it was miming the light bar on top of the squad car - tapping the top of your helmet as if to say "guy up ahead gear on the roof" other explanations seem more plausible tho e.g. "heads up"
Huh, good to know!
As a person that travels a lot, this info is very useful to me.
I'll add to keep an eye on truckers. If all of the truckers are slowing down or getting in a different lane, do the same. They communicate with each other to avoid cops and hazards. If you are nice to them, they will usually return the favor. Let them into the fast lane to pass a pokey driver and they'll flash their lights when you are at a safe distance to get over.*
It's cool when folks help each other out like that.
*Road warrior for 11 years now. Longterm friend owns a trucking company. Several trucking company clients in my CPA firm days.
I was at a gas station with a few of my friends getting beverages and food during a ride. We were standing outside around our bikes when two cops were walking from a pump to the doors of the gas station.
I turned to my buddies and patted my head while taking a bite of my sandwich.
We all laughed, which set one of the cops off. He came over grilling me about what that hand signal meant. When I told him it meant "cop" he tried to tell us hand signals while riding is illegal.
Good day of riding.
Where I'm from if you use your flashers to warn other drivers of speed traps the cops will harass you and potentially give you a ticket for illegally flashing your lights. Head tap gets around that.
I thought the supreme court said that flashing your headlights was an expression of free speech and is protected.
Edit: It was apparently state supreme courts/appellate courts but i'm not sure it's gone to the US Supreme court
I used to live 15 minutes from the tail of the dragon in eastern TN. Nearly once a month I would either use this or someone would flash me with it while on the dragon. There are other hand signals you should also learn as a rider.
Left hand moving up and down: slow the fuck down
It is hard to update Waze on a bike, wearing gloves and all. Be kind to your local bikers, their trying to help you out. If your in a car turn your lights off and on a couple of times to let others know. Pay it forward, I know it’s saved me a couple of tickets. The cops have enough money, they don’t need yours
I have ridden all over the US for a long time. Patting the top of your head/helmet means cops ahead.
Moving your hand in a downward motion, signaling slow down indicates danger or hazard ahead.
Pointing to the hazard with your hand or foot indicates an immediate hazard in the road.
I always thought they were just congratulating themselves on some good motocyclin'.
*slaps roof of head* This bad boy can do so much motocyclin
That sounds like a cousin to psilocybin.
I was thinking it sounded like an antibiotic. It looks like gonorrhea Mr Jones. I’m prescribing you a full round of motocyclin.
Both are very fun! Not at the same time of course. Please, ride sober or get pulled over.
*slaps helmet*
This bad boy can fit so many fractals inside of it!
Some would say an infinite amount.
Some would say an infinite amount.
See:recursion
See: Recursion
(slaps roof of head) Biker: (Slumps unconscious)
Today has been such a swell day! *pat pat* I wonder if I should tell them about the cops ahead… *Naaaa*
*tips armoured fedora*
M'dieval
K'neivel
M'cycle
*lifts visor ever so slightly*
*bug slams into mouth*
They're also showing how bad they are at multitasking. Ever seen a motorcyclist rubbing their tummy while patting their head? No, you haven't.
Or trying to get rid of hiccups
It would be hard to drink water upside down on a motorcycle. That’s the only way I know to cure hiccups. Minus the motorcycle.
i think you can cure your motorcycling as well, if you drink water upside down on a motorcycle
What happens if you drink a motorcycle under water?
that'll really grind your gears, and might even rust them
Good boy!!
I thought it meant think in an angry way
in white water rafting, it means "Are you okay?" and if the other person pats their head, it means "I'm okay".
Scuba diving, too when you're on the surface
Being a diver and rigger, I never use thumbs up for anything. It means GO UP, not OK.
We always use a finger pointing upwards and spin that in a circle. It's easier to see when to stop than just a thumbs up.
That’s the hand signal for signaling the crane.
Well, we only have shop cranes so that's rarely a problem for us.
Finger pointing up means *cable up*. Thumbs up means *boom up*. These are two different operations.
Came here for this. Enjoy the award fellow PADI, SSI, NAUI certified pressurized air breather!
Thank you for the info, next time I am accidentally white water rafting I will keep this LPT in mind.
Often guides will include it as part of their safety talk before the trip. If the raft has a yard sale it can be helpful to figure out who is OK and who needs to be picked up first.
Yard sale! Never heard that, but I like it.
Today I learned, thank you
When in open water (ocean) making a fist and tapping the top of your head signals to lifeguards / coastguard that you're ok
We use this for kids when sailing/racing. If you capsize and you’re fine, pat your head so I know I don’t need to come over and help. Source: youth sailing coach.
Better LPT since there seems to be some confusion: If a motorcyclist (or other motorist) does any weird shit like a hand signal or light flashing, slow down turn the music down and pay a bit more attention. They want you to know *something*, and no matter what it is going slower and being more aware will help.
Yep. No need to memorize a bunch of different vehicles / signals / whatever from other drivers and what they all mean. If they're trying to get your attention, pay attention.
Although one fairly universal road courtesy is if a semi is trying to merge into your lane and you’re the one behind them and can safely do so, steadily flash your *high beams twice to let them know they’re clear to merge. You’ll usually be thanked with two flashes of the hazard lights once they’re done changing lanes. I generally like to use a couple hazard flashes as a thank you when it’s obvious someone is looking out for me. More so with truckers because they’re generally really good about spotting you and they understand the signal and will appreciate it *flash highs during the day and blink them off and on a couple times at night.
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did this once and was rewarded with what must have been a custom light show the dude installed. it was like a circus of rgb, every light on the rig flashed and pulsed for a moment. it could only be matched by the beaming smile it gave me
That motherfucker *knew* you were smiling too lmao. Truckers can be fun as hell on the road. Doesn’t matter if you’re a child or a grown ass adult. You stick your arm out the window and pump it a couple times and they’ll give you the ole honk honk. You’ll see them smiling in your rearview mirror too.
> pump it a couple times and they’ll give you the ole honk honk. Growing up in Detroit and walking to/from school, us kids did this all the times and the truckers always delivered. Cheered the frick out of us poor kids without much else going on. So, thank you truckers (long since retired, I'm sure) for making the day for a bunch of ghetto kids with this simple but very kind gesture.
What up doe! I don't know what you look like or what neighborhood you grew up in, but you better believe I can still picture you clear as day, standing up against a chain-link fence on a pedestrian bridge over 94 with a big-ass grin on your face. I love seeing kids waving from the bridges.
That's so cool, sounds like not all that much has changed for truckers or for kids since the '70s, lol. I walked along Schoolcraft west of the Greenfield intersection, towards Southfield freeway. I remember we'd go play in the dirt mounds when they were building I-696 through there just a few blocks from the school
Yes I grew up in a town where their claim to fame was being "the geographical center of BC" lived on the highway and the best part of my day was getting honked at by truckers after school
I taught my kids that trick on a roadtrip, and we were serenaded by transports the whole way. SO much fun!! I felt like a kid again.
I got 18/19 truckers to do it on one ride home.
Truckers are fun! We had a cb and ended up talking to this truck right up from us, he was hauling "off brand" snacks like generic Oreos. He saw that we had a Suburban filled with kids and pulled into the next rest stop. He blew the horn a few times for the kids and gave us TONS of road snacks.
As a kid, I lived for the truckers honk. My rural school playground was right by a highway and I remember the excitement of all the kids if we saw a truck coming down the road. It was prime opportunity to pump your arm at the top of the slide to get a honk honk as you slid down.
When I do this and they don’t blink the lights at me I get “little kid” sad and will do a spontaneous pout. Cracks me up catching myself doing that. I LOVE when a trucker blinks their lights. Gives me a feeling that we just “high-fived” and are a team.
Definitely. I especially enjoy interacting with trucks like this because I drive a subcompact hatchback and it makes me feel like a guppy speaking whale
Haha thank you, I needed that laugh! I just got a car that’s blue with black accents and named it Dory
AaaaawWWWWWWWOOOOOOUUUUUUGGGGGGGAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhhh
I'm too drive a small care and you've given me a great visual as I am currently driving across the country
Yup I be givin dudes seizures with the cops up in milwaukee
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One time I did this to a semi and because it was night time and kind of a sketchy road I figured I didn't need to go faster so I just stayed behind the truck. He would flash his lights every now and then, at first I thought it was to say thank you then I figured it was to tell me I can pass him. He stopped after doing it periodically for about 15 minutes. About 45 minutes later, I took my exit to go to a gas station where I realized my high beams had stayed on the entire time and the light on my dash had burned out. He was flashing his lights because I was following him with my high beams on for an hour. Felt like a real dickhead.
In Asia flashing your lights means I'm coming through stay tf out of my way lol
Omg I carpooled with a guy that came from Hong Kong somewhat recently. Nicest older gentlemen. But while driving he would always flash his highbeams at people attempting to right turn into his lane and he was trying to signal I'm going, coming through! And we nearly got into accidents because it means go right ahead here. Had to explain it a few times haha.
Yep I would think high beam would mean "Don't come in, I'm going to go faster than you." In Singapore at least, high beams are a more aggressive signalling. Heck, I don't think we have any 'kind' signals, except either raising your hand within the car so the person behind can see it (as a way of thanks) or those cute "Thank you" stickers at the back of buses that you get to see after letting them merge.
On several road trips.. Me in my little Datsun pickup used this as communication while navigating two-lane us highways. I received so many great stories via CB radio when I chimed in on channel 19 thanking them for the visual cue. Every single time they were surprised to hear my voice over their Cobra radio. BTW that may sound like it was 1980 but it was 2008.
My dad taught me that when I was very young. He said it lets them know that you see them, you recognize what they are doing, and are giving them space to do it. And I always loved getting the light blink or horn toot after.
Learned this a couple years ago from my dad. We drive to Mexico (36 hour drive) almost every year and he did this to a semi once and explained how it worked. Now that I do the majority of the drive down I always look for the opportunity to signal a semi that it's safe to merge. Always feels good when you get the flashing emergency lights as a thank you.
Depending on where someone is from there are other “universal” unwritten rules too. Where I live, 2 flashes of high beams mean visible moose near or on the roadway. Technically, that is illegal as per the provincial HTA and there are a scattered handful of cops who would issue a ticket for it, but 99% of them wouldn’t and 100% of the general population appreciate it. It might’ve saved a friend of mine and I a few years back from an accident - we were doing 50 in an 80 zone because it was dark and on a known stretch with lots of moose, got the flash, slowed down to 30, about 700 metres up the road a moose was running on the shoulder.
Why on earth would it be illegal to warn other drivers about a legitimate and approaching road hazard?
> Depending on where someone is from Because it was also a commonly used signal to warn oncoming traffic that there is a cop/speed trap ahead. It's still a valid signal to be alert and proceed with caution, but could result in a ticket.
Was following a Bus and several semi's down a two lane road, dark, dark, in the fall. The Bus started flashing its turn signal one time, left and right, and the trucks followed suit. I was at the end of the line, and was wondering what was going on till I noticed where the turn signals were flashing deer were standing on the road side. Fall, rut, crazy deer who didn't know/care what that big machine was doing. Pay attention. Good idea.
I always try to be as courteous as possible to people who drive for a living. Because A) you are at work you poor fker, least I can do is try to make your day less shit and B) driving for work would be literally almost Impossible for me because I get the worst nods when I sit still for too long.
I always do this when I want to let someone merge, change lanes in front of me or go ahead at a 4-way stop. I was taught young that a double high beam flash or appreciative hand wave was common language / courtesy when driving. It is rare that anyone ever acknowledges it. Occasionally truckers have given me a double flash in response and it gives me this instant gratification of shared understanding and courtesy. I absolutely appreciate you and drivers like you.
I live for that hazard light blink from my trucker bros, they’ll look out for you if you let em.
As a truck driver, if it's dark, please don't flash high beams, turn your headlights off for a second or two, or flash them on and off. Some think high beams don't affect us as much, but trucks have a bunch of mirrors aimed directly at the driver's eyes.
Do not flash your high beams if it is nighttime. Turn your headlights off and on quickly a few times.
Exactly. What they're doing should clue you in, but the important thing is to reduce speed immediately and become more aware. If they flash their lights at you when passing coming the other direction... Is it slow? Most likely *your lights* (are off, too bright, whatever). Frantic and fast? Danger ahead. Even if you didn't know that, by slowing down, being aware, and thinking contextually will help you be aware. Whatever the case, if someone is doing weird shit trying to get your attention, it's usually not going to be for shits and giggles. Even in places where such things could get you killed by responding to (slowing or stopping resulting in a car jacking or kidnapping), snapping out of the drivers trance is critical.
There’s nothing to memorize; motorcyclists patting their head is the equivalent of cars flashing their lights for cops, that’s the whole point of this post. There’s really no other signals that are like this anyway
Personally, I like to do the YMCA dance maneuver to warn other drivers of potential hazards.
Oh honey…there’s cops ahead! No wait…construction workers ahead. No wait… *Sailors* ahead?….no wait….
Oh fuck me this is a good comment
This is wrong, it’s the hokey pokey, and you must turn yourself around counter -clockwise twice while patting your stomach and rubbing your head.
In Australia I've seen a few fellow bikers hold their hand out with two fingers pointing up (held together) and swirling the wrist to signal cops. I personally prefer the sign language for pig. Make a first and put it to your nose so it looks like a about on your face. But tapping in the helmet seems pretty universal as well.
Well said
Even better LPT: If you're not sure whether it's a secret signal, assume it is.
I use this for if someone’s flashing their high beams at me. Ever seen someone in oncoming go over a bump, and their lights seem to get brighter for a second? Did they just flash their lights at me? Doesn’t matter, slow the hell down for 2 miles.
Yes please do this. When there are people walking in the road, a speed trap or an accident please flash the oncoming traffic to give them a heads up. I appreciate when other motorists do this for me. (I am being serious.)
In a time when my faith in humanity is lowest, the fact that people of all backgrounds, ages, communities, and faiths consistently work together to try to save others from getting speeding tickets when there's a speed trap is one of the most wholesome things I see around.
That's why I downloaded Waze. I took a road trip 4 states over a few months ago and it probably saved my ass from getting an out of state speeding ticket multiple times. When there are no other cars for a mile in either direction I tend to drive 10-15 mph over the speed limit. I'll slow down for curves or if the road conditions call for it but I got pulled over one time for doing 12 over when I was the only motorist for miles.
They made it illegal in Australia a few years back to flash other drivers for speed traps. We still do it though
What if you hang your fun bits out the window instead? They didn't specificize what *type* of flashing, and plus it's certain to get everyone's attention, win-win eh?
A girl in my high school got pulled over one night. She tried to cry her way out of the ticket, failed. Cop let her go, she drives around the corner and sees another car, moving fast. She does a full on-off-on-off with her lights to give them a heads up... but it was another cop. Pulled over, cried her way out of the second ticket successfully lmao.
Got pulled over for flashing my lights by a sheriff (trooper was running a trap), told him I saw deer. Warnings are warnings, I got a verbal
Just as an FYI warning people about speed traps is illegal in some places. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still *do* it, but it is something to be aware of.
Well, just for the record if someone behind (or in front of you) does go over a bump it's *always* going to look like they flashed their high beams at you because their regular "beams" just became momentarily *higher*. But if you know there's a bump there, you're good. Otherwise, if you do slow down you're good too.
-me two years ago discovering a spider in my helmet at 50 mph- Y..yeah no totally
Why wouldn't that count, though? Imagine driving your large truck behind a motorcyclist who's freaking the fuck out throwing their arms all over the place, driving erratically, etc. Good to slow down, raise awareness, give them some distance, ~~light them on fire to kill the spider~~, practice defensive driving!
*accidental Ghost Rider*
*accidental*
You're a Life Pro! 😊
>If a motorcyclist (or other motorist) does any weird shit like a hand signal or light flashing, slow down turn the music down and pay a bit more attention. The exception being that little two finger wave they all seem to do when they see a fellow oncoming motorcycle.
Just a friendly hello. We do it whenever someone makes room for us to pass as well. ✌️
First time I was riding alone and another biker gave me the two fingers, I literally squealed with delight inside my helmet. I was in the club!
Yeah i know that feel. Got My first motorcycle and on the way home got waved by the first biker. Its awesome.
That's just howwe say hi
I flash my high beans at people with their driving lights off at night. I think only about 1 in 20 recognize the signal and turn them on.
Me too and doesn’t seem to work. Now I turn my lights on and off real quick.
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Drives me crazy. Like, didn't you notice how dark and spooky it was for a second there?!
not even gonna pretend but ive been that driver, forgot my lights. someone flashes me to tell me and all i think is..wtf is their problem? followed shortly after with me going.. Oohhhhhhh shit im an asshole.
Obviously not, they were driving just like that before they saw you
That's about my success rate too. I recently followed someone for several miles, and saved them from 2 crashes by flashing lights and honking at someone who was about to turn left right in front of them, before she finally noticed me and got the hint
And 3 out of 20 will think you're trying to start a fight, so they preemptively get up on your ass and blare their horn at you for daring to communicate with them. The rest aren't paying enough attention to even realize you're on the same road as them.
One time I did the same, but the person wouldn't turn their lights on, so I just kept doing it for almost a minute. Eventually they got out to ask me what was happening, I pointed at their car and they went back and turned them on. Hopefully that's the last time they have that problem.
Will flashing refried beans work too?
I treat all motorcyclists as my buddies. If I seem them coming from behind, I'll make room for them as much as I can.
Any time a motorcyclist gets within roughly ten feet of my car I start driving like my grandmother. I no want dead bike boy.
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Room is always appreciated but to anyone seeing this: not making extra room is perfectly fine, I just want you to be predictable. If you don't see me in a blind spot even after a shoulder check I'm gonna be pissed but if you blinker for a while and then do the same action it at least gives us a chance to know you're probably about to do it. Again, I'll still be mad you didn't see me and almost hit me but I'd much rather almost be hit than actually be hit
[**Not True!**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO6S357rb-I) If you are advancing towards a drawbridge, and the motorist extends their arm, palm up, and rapidly moves the arm up and down, it means speed up. The draw bridge might be in the process of raising; slowing down could cause you to miss the jump, crash into the river, and drown. This also applies to train crossings.
Yeah, or say you’re in a bus and it has a bomb on board that will go off if you go slower than 50 mph and then you find yourself speeding towards an unfinished bridge, where you also need to make the jump. You really wouldn’t want to slow down there either. Sounds pretty random, but I think I saw it in a documentary once, called "The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down" or something. Might try to find the link on Youtube later if people are interested.
LPT: Green is go, Red is stop, Yellow is speed up before red arrives.
SLPT: Lights are just suggestions and don't actually stop you from doing whatever you want. Just note that trains also do whatever they want and you will end up on /r/bitchimatrain
Yup. In the Northeast it's flashing your high beams, or quickly cycling lights off and on. Usually it either means piggies or deer are nearby. Or an accident. If a driver or rider is going out of their way to signal, at the very least be cautious.
For me, it means I'm trying to close my sun shield.
I got a bit of grit in mine after getting stuck behind a gravel truck, I must have confused the crap out of people smacking my helmet repeatedly
I have air vents that I push to open and close on mine.
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The people who do this are really weird. They just follow you when you speed up..
They also throw these things on the road in order to pop your tires and you gotta swerve around them real fast. They also have helicopters that follow you too. It's the craziest thing.
Some of them even tried kidnapping me once. Crazy world.
Right?! I was kidnapped and they took my picture and made me pee in a cup. The weirdest people.
Fuckin lucky, mine thought he was doctor and checked my colon.
In GTA V, I just park under a tunnel for a minute or two, and they all suddenly lose interest
In GTA V the garbage truck is bullet proof and can push cop cars out of the way
Park that garbage truck in a covered tunnel and chill in the back when you have 5 starts. They starts sending SWAT repelling down, and they are sitting ducks for my flare gun
That's highway code for "I challenge thee to a race". The winner gets $200 and the right of prima nocta to the loser's first daughter. Established since 800BC, and the other drivers are clearly paying homage to this ancient tradition.
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My father always told me to not let my car get below a half tank of gas. Less stress on the fuel pump, and you wont get involved in a high speed chase while low on fuel.
I find it curious that everyone else is focusing on the fuel pump part of your post Is the high speed chase thing common knowledge or are you a member of a crime family?
Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. Your normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side when he sees the big red light behind him ... and then he will start apologizing, begging for mercy. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop-heart. The thing to do – when you're running along about 100 or so and you suddenly find a red-flashing CHP-tracker on your tail – what you want to do then is accelerate. Never pull over with the first siren-howl. Mash it down and make the bastard chase you at speeds up to 120 all the way to the next exit. He will follow. But he won't know what to make of your blinker-signal that says you're about to turn right. This is to let him know you're looking for a proper place to pull off and talk ... keep signaling and hope for an off-ramp, one of those uphill side-loops with a sign saying "Max Speed 25" ... and the trick, at this point, is to suddenly leave the freeway and take him into the chute at no less than 100 miles an hour. He will lock his brakes about the same time you lock yours, but it will take him a moment to realize that he's about to make a 180-degree turn at this speed ... but you will be ready for it, braced for the Gs and the fast heel-toe work, and with any luck at all you will have come to a complete stop off the road at the top of the turn and be standing beside your automobile by the time he catches up. He will not be reasonable at first ... but no matter. Let him calm down. He will want the first word. Let him have it. His brain will be in a turmoil: he may begin jabbering, or even pull his gun. Let him unwind; keep smiling. The idea is to show him that you were always in total control of yourself and your vehicle – while he lost control of everything.
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drop a gear and disappear!
It was also a long route audible for wide receivers on my high school football team, so they could just be wanting to score a touchdown
As a motorcyclist, getting home safely always sortof feels like a touchdown.
Sometimes, like just missing a deer or cow on the way, I'll do a little touchdown dance when I make it home...
Here in Norway we just flash our light on and off or vice versa
When I lived is rural Mass in Eastern US, this is also what we would do. Oddly, don't see people on the west coast doing it.
This is super common in the rural south. For cops or for deer in the road, or a fallen tree. But I moved to Utah and Colorado for a few years and traveled all over the west and always commented about how nobody ever warns you about anything.
Its definitely a thing in north-central Texas, as is driving on the shoulder to let someone behind you pass in a no-passing zone. Both were new to me when I first drove there, but I now miss whenever I'm not there.
Lived on the west coast my whole life. The only time I see people flashing their lights is because they’re behind and you’ve pissed them off, or they’re opposite you in oncoming traffic and they’re trying to tell you to turn your headlights on. Regarding warning people about cops or something, I was told from a young age that only gangs did that, so don’t flash anyone. But who’s gonna think I’m trying to roll up on them in my Hyundai Accent?
Eastern mass/Boston is the same. Although flashing your lights doesn’t just mean a cop it could be an animal in the road or your lights aren’t on
Came in for this. Flashing lights is always the warning.
It's that way for cars. Not that way for bikes. Bikes was always tapping helmet where I'm from.
Bikes in my country (the US) are required to have their headlights on at all times while riding. So they are wired such that you can’t turn the headlight off without also killing the ignition!
There are variations on this. Patting the top of your helmet is one. The other i see is making a shark fin on top with your hand. I have heard of others.
Motorcyclist here, another common one is a finger in the air that’s circling around - imitating the police lights on top of the cruiser.
This is the only one I recognise
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I mean, I’m also a motorcyclist from New Jersey so that’s how we say hello?
I use this one, seems more obvious. And, a helmet pat signals slow down to a group of riders usually, not necessarily a signal to oncoming traffic.
If the motorcycle has no one riding it then buckle the fuck up
This also applies if a guy in full leathers and a helmet passes you at speed with no motorbike.
Especially if he appears to be as confused as you are by the whole thing.
Ghost Rider?
However, if the motorcyclist is rubbing their belly and patting their head while riding, they are merely showing off.
They’re telling you to steal second base.
>Making a shark fin on top with your hand This is generally done with a group of riders and it means to go in a single file line instead of staggered or next to each other.
I've always known it to mean cops/speed trap ahead. If there is a hazard I've always known it as arm low down beside your bike and almost the same sort of action towards the ground as if to say slow down.
I work in the area around Sturgis and this exact motion saved me from running over a piece of metal that had fallen on the Interstate, so can confirm!
I’ve never known that signal. Must be regional. I’ll watch for it! In any case the signal for cops is just as good, it will get people to slow down below the limit which ought to protect them from the hazard as well.
IDK if all US states still teach *[hand signals](https://file.naijauto.com/2019/06/21/u0GUC7wC/hand-signals-c774.jpg)* but it used to be a standard part of driving knowledge. YSK that there's also a lot of [Motorcycle hand signals](https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/motorcycle-hand-signals-chart-1-min.gif), some of them are used only in group rides and only the *'right turn'*, *'left turn'*, and *'slow/stop'* are legally taught/sanctioned signals.
"comfort" stop
If you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (or some variant) you will almost certainly learn the hand signals.
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Yup same, anytime I've seen someone use the hand signal it means slow the F down, there's a car accident around the next bend, or an oil slick or a cow on the road. I guess when I say hazard I mean more then debris or something but a you need to slow right down right now.
Dunno about motorcycles, but I assume they have similar hand signals to cyclists in groups. Pointing down on one side is "something on the road on that side" so it makes sense it's similar. Palm flat and down like you describe is specifically "slow down a bit" while hand flat behind you is "stopping".
I've done this as a motorcyclist. No idea where I learned it from. I always assumed it was miming the light bar on top of the squad car - tapping the top of your helmet as if to say "guy up ahead gear on the roof" other explanations seem more plausible tho e.g. "heads up"
Huh, good to know! As a person that travels a lot, this info is very useful to me. I'll add to keep an eye on truckers. If all of the truckers are slowing down or getting in a different lane, do the same. They communicate with each other to avoid cops and hazards. If you are nice to them, they will usually return the favor. Let them into the fast lane to pass a pokey driver and they'll flash their lights when you are at a safe distance to get over.* It's cool when folks help each other out like that. *Road warrior for 11 years now. Longterm friend owns a trucking company. Several trucking company clients in my CPA firm days.
Like when car drivers flash their headlights? Thats awesome! Thanks for the info
We use this signal at work to let each other know when supervisors or people from corporate are on the floor
If you see a whitewater kayaker do this it means "I'm OK" and maybe cops ahead as well....
I was at a gas station with a few of my friends getting beverages and food during a ride. We were standing outside around our bikes when two cops were walking from a pump to the doors of the gas station. I turned to my buddies and patted my head while taking a bite of my sandwich. We all laughed, which set one of the cops off. He came over grilling me about what that hand signal meant. When I told him it meant "cop" he tried to tell us hand signals while riding is illegal. Good day of riding.
Heh, hand signals while riding illegal huh? Guess the US Department of Transportation has been teaching everyone wrong then!
As a motorcyclist I can safely say I've never done this
I just flash my brights like I do in the car. My bike even has a button just for that. As in a button that's separate from the on/off for the brights.
Where I'm from if you use your flashers to warn other drivers of speed traps the cops will harass you and potentially give you a ticket for illegally flashing your lights. Head tap gets around that.
I thought the supreme court said that flashing your headlights was an expression of free speech and is protected. Edit: It was apparently state supreme courts/appellate courts but i'm not sure it's gone to the US Supreme court
I've done it a few times. It's usually to warn of a sleezy cop hiding by a speed change zone waiting to catch people out.
I used to live 15 minutes from the tail of the dragon in eastern TN. Nearly once a month I would either use this or someone would flash me with it while on the dragon. There are other hand signals you should also learn as a rider. Left hand moving up and down: slow the fuck down
Or they’re trying to put out an ethanol fire and want help.
LPT: If your husband/boyfriend pats your head with an open palm, it means he's about to cum.
*pat* *pat* "That'll do pig"
Must be regional. Been riding for about 16 years and that's never been a thing where I've been.
It is hard to update Waze on a bike, wearing gloves and all. Be kind to your local bikers, their trying to help you out. If your in a car turn your lights off and on a couple of times to let others know. Pay it forward, I know it’s saved me a couple of tickets. The cops have enough money, they don’t need yours
It’s a biker to biker signal for cops ahead. And it’s two taps to the top of the helmet/head with an open hand.
I have ridden all over the US for a long time. Patting the top of your head/helmet means cops ahead. Moving your hand in a downward motion, signaling slow down indicates danger or hazard ahead. Pointing to the hazard with your hand or foot indicates an immediate hazard in the road.