As a motorist you probably have had drivers flash their headlights at you in a 1, 2, 3 sequence either from behind or on the oncoming lane. If you are new to the term “optical horn,” you might be wondering what does the 1,2,3 headlight flashes mean? But before we go into details, it’s vital you understand the concept of headlight flashing because flashing your headlights may mean more than you think.
What’s Headlight Flashing?
To put it mildly, headlight flashing is a type of communication technique among motorists which involves briefly switching on between the high beam and low beam of a car headlight in an effort to convey messages, including warning to other drivers of road hazards, speed traps, and cautions about aggressive driving.
However, the legality of headlight flashing differs by the jurisdiction of each state in the U.S. Some state’s driving manuals only recommend flashing your headlights to notify other drivers that their high-beams are on as they approach you from the opposite lane.
When should you flash your car headlights?
As stated previously, most state laws recommend you flash your headlights at other drivers only to warn them that their high beams are on and blinding you. To do this, follow these simple steps below:
Step one
- Flash your headlights about three to five times maximum; quickly in a sequence interval.
Step two
- If after step one and the other driver refuses to dim their headlights, you should fix your gaze at the other side of the street – away from the bright blinding headlights to avoid being temporarily blinded.
While bright blinding headlights can be frustrating, if the other driver refuses to yield to your signal and turns off his or her high beam, you must not retaliate by turning on your high beam too. Doing so would only endanger you and other road users. Instead, be smart and divert your gaze to the right hand side of the road until the driver has passed you.
Furthermore, other state’s driving manuals suggest you also flash your headlights when you are preparing to overtake the car in front of you at night. But during the day, it’s advisable you horn instead as the driver in front of you might not easily notice your headlight flashes. Though, it’s vital you check with your local authorities as the case is not always the same with each state in the USA.
Meaning of the 1, 2, or 3 Headlight Flashes Sequence.
Now that you are acquainted with the general concept of headlight flashing, let’s take a look at the meaning of each headlight flashing sequence to help you communicate better while driving.
- Flashing Your Headlight Ones
A single quick flash of your headlight at an oncoming vehicle either approaching from an intersection or on the other side of the road is a caution signal meaning “check your headlights.” Some drivers forget to turn on their lights while others might just leave their high beam on.
In the same vein, one very quick flash or two at another vehicle while approaching an intersection either during the day or night could mean “I am yielding to you.” This signal can be useful in a situation where the oncoming driver believes he should yield to you. By flashing your headlight in such a situation, you are giving the driver the approval to turn in front of you since you are sure that doing so won’t affect the cars behind you.
- Flashing Your Headlights Twice.
Quick two flashes of your headlights during the day or night at an oncoming vehicle means “watch your speed.” This is also a friendly caution signal used to inform and advise another driver against aggressive driving so they can avoid getting a ticket.
- Flashing Your Headlight Thrice
When an oncoming driver flashes his or her headlight three times, it means” “Danger, proceed with caution.” This is a warning signal used to inform drivers of road dangers such as animals crossing the road, accidents, road blocks, work crew, and road hazards.
Conclusion
As you drive, you would encounter drivers who actually use the optical horn wrongly. One thing you should keep in mind is that whatever is the reason why a person flashes his or her headlights at you, you should try and observe your speed, high beam, proceed with caution, and restore your headlights every now and then. Never, ever, flash your headlights at someone just to justify your own right of way. You might be misunderstood. Only flash your headlights at night when necessary in accordance to your state laws.
