lorry overtaking

[lillylemon]

I have noticed many times that when one lorry is overtaking another the one being overtaken flahes their lights. Is there any particular reason for this or jut annoyance on the part of the driver?

[SurreyGuy]

The "flasher" is telling the "overtaker" that it is clear for him to pull back in, i.e. the rear of the lorry is sufficiently in front of the vehicle being overtaken that he can safely pull in.

[vulcan]

quite right doc, it's part of the unnoficial drivers code. I signal to lorry drivers if they pass me in the car. They usually give a quick flash on the indicator or emergency lights in appreciation.

[lillylemon]

Thanks

[TWR]

You are right, EX HGV.

[cherrychapstick]

so that the other driver knows he has passed enough to pull back in safely,some also do it with vans when they are on a fast road i have noticed this a few times now on the m74

[Nosha123]

OK.. so I get that.. but why would a lorry once have once flashed me when I had finished overtaking???

It happened once and I was certain I had done nothing to offend or upset...

Surely he wasnt telling me when it safe for my little car to pull back in the lane???

[cherrychapstick]

yeah it could be nosha, i wouldn't think they would be annoyed with you overtaking unless they think you are driving to fast , have you noticed the signs that now tell you after overtaking to pull back in as many drivers stay in the middle lane when there is no point and the outside lane is clear ,i have noticed lorry drivers doing this alot more recently with the weather conditions

[vulcan]

I think it's just courtesy Nosha, most lorry drivers are[courteous] and like to help the flow of traffic.

[Nosha123]

Thanks cherrychapstick
And yes I do use the first lane! - How funny.. as I just posted on the 'tailgating' thread which talks about the lack of use of the lanes properly!

Its one of my bug bears.. people driving along in middle lane without overtaking anyone!!!

[Nosha123]

Thats good to know vulcan42
I also try not to pull out of a junction if a lorry is coming as I know it takes them ages to slow down and then accelerate again... (unless of course its bus).... ;-)

[cherrychapstick]

nosha what's the link to that i missed that thread

[Nosha123]

I havent seen these new sings Cherrychapstick...
"have you noticed the signs that now tell you after overtaking to pull back in as many drivers stay in the middle lane when there is no point and the outside lane is clear ,i have noticed lorry drivers doing this alot more recently with the weather conditions"

But its a very good idea....

My only worry then would be - so many drivers are a bit oblivious on the motorways - and not aware of whats around them - that you then have people changing lanes more often.. and could cause even more accidents - unless people start paying attention and stop fiddling with the stereo, chatting or using their phones...

And if we brought in the rule like in US where you can use any lane to overtake... it would cause even more confusion!

People who dont use the lanes appropriately should be fined!

[Nosha123]

Here you go CHerryChapstick
http://www.theanswerb...g/Question835568.html

It all got a bit heated there too!! ;-)

[cherrychapstick]

i've seen a couple when travelling from scotland but havent noticed any in england ,but will watch out for them next time i'm driving down:) only joking but if i notice any more will let you know where to look :)

[TWR]

You can also tell when the police are about with Speed traps, just watch the HGV drivers giving thumbs down Lillyemon, or if you see a HGV on an A or B road Flashing & you might think, what the hell is that crank flashing for, there is something he / she has passed & could cause an accident Eg, sheep, tree branch in the road, Ice, flood, If I thought that there was something that could endanger someones safety, That's what I used to do. This time of the year with snow Ice coming be aware of the signs given out by some HGV drivers. ( But not all)

[vulcan]

Nosha, agree with everything you say.Personally I think the problem lies with driving lessons and testing. People aren't tested on motorway driving and most drivers talk about the fast lane instead of overtaking lanes. In other words, they don't have a clue !

[Nosha123]

Hmm this is true Vulcan.. I also refer to it as the fast lane.. though thats just what i call it - I know what they are for and use them all appropriately...
Maybe M'way should be compulsory - at least theory if not practical too
Having said that - as well as young folk in the middle lanes - I see plenty plenty older men and women.. though I think women are possibly worse than men - less aware..

Sometimes I think people use the middle lane as they feel 'safer' not driving so close to the 'edge' of the road.. they have space on both sides!

I want a great big neon sign I can light up as I overtake to tell them to PULL OVER SUCKER

;-)

[cherrychapstick]

thanks nosha going there now

[Lil O'lady]

The problem being that continental drivers flash their lights to stop you from doing a manoeuvre - and there are plenty of nasty accidents now involving continental lorries, so I wonder how coincidental this is.