In addition to the basic rules of the road, there is an unofficial language of signs and signals, with the help of which motorists communicate with each other. This is a kind of mutual assistance, sometimes very helpful in a given situation. Therefore, it is very important to know this language and understand it, to be mutually polite on the road.
Headlamp signal language
Probably the most common headlamp signal on the road is switching from near to far several times. So the drivers warn each other that there is a traffic police exit in front of them, which controls the speed limit or another danger. It is served mainly on highways and outside the city. After all, to be honest, most often, drivers exceed the permissible speed established by the rules, especially if the condition of the car allows it. Interestingly, in addition to drivers, even cyclists can warn about the presence of traffic police posts. They, of course, have no headlights, but they have a rich imagination. Very often they touch their shoulder with their palm, as if pointing to shoulder straps.
You should thank the driver who gave you a signal with the headlights by raising his palm up or nodding his head, this is a kind of a sign of politeness, and so it is customary to do so.
What other signals with blinking headlights exist
There are situations on the road when you urgently need to get somewhere, and a very slow driver is driving ahead. In order to ask to pass you, they make several signals with low or high beam. When the car in front missed you, and you drove forward, do not forget to honk him by switching the turn signals back and forth several times. Some drivers thank you, turning on the emergency light several times, but the rules prohibit turning it on unnecessarily, and in some European countries you may even be fined for this.
If you are driving in the dark, and the rear car blinds you, you should signal him with an emergency light or turn signals, letting him know so that he switches to low beam. You will have to do the same in a similar situation.
Sometimes there are situations on the road when a large truck is driving ahead and it is difficult for you to overtake it. Truckers are generally quick-witted people and can help you maneuver. So, if he flashes your right turn signal, then you can overtake, freely ahead. If the left turn signal flashes, it means that an oncoming car is driving and it is worth waiting.
After you overtake the truck, be sure to thank him for this and, perhaps, you will hear a beep in response.
All of the above signals are given mainly outside the city, but the city also has its own headlamp signals. So if you are honked once with a high beam, then you are let through. This situation can be when changing lanes from one lane to another or when leaving yards and parking lots.
Remember that mutual respect and mutual assistance on the roads greatly improves traffic safety.
