wjk_glynn

Where I come from originally (Ireland), if you're behind someone on a 2-way country road and they make it easier/safer for you to overtake them (e.g. pull to the side to make room, or use a turnout, or let you know there's no oncoming traffic, etc.), the convention/etiquette is that once past, you give a quick flash of the hazards to acknowledge and say 'thanks'

I just got back from my 'Sunday morning run', and as typical did the above for those other drivers that were courteous and let me past.

But I'm wondering if that signal would be understood as a signal of gratitude, or if in fact they might take it the wrong way. Maybe I've been making an unintended faux pas for many years.

If you let someone by and they gave you a brief flash of their hazards, would you perceive that as a positive signal, or something else entirely?

Thanks.

Karl.

JW911

I have never seen it. Never done it. Never heard of it. I think the recipient would not understand. I will say it is quite rare in the US for someone to pull over to allow a driver to pass. Lots of oblivious slowpokes out there.

Ahsai

I think in US it means "I beat you" so far from what you intended.

Dennis C

The only place I've seen the hazard lights used to say "thanks" is when 18-wheelers pass. They sometimes flash the trailer lights for this purpose also.

One thing that European drivers do that I really like is to use their hazard lights on the highway to signal the cars behind them that traffic is slowing or stopped ahead.

motopix

It happens so rarely that it means it's your lucky day and you should go play the lottery.

I usually give 2 quick toots of the horn when it does happen.

DC911S

If you are in some parts of the US you might get shot. Seriously. Don't do it. Some redneck might take offense at it.

Wayne Smith

We drove from the coast (San Francisco area) to Nevada and back (Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass) on Friday. As usual, many people helped us pass them. I generally give a wave through the sunroof or side window (yes, even in the rain or cold).

ADias

Hazard lights are no thanks! They warn of a coming hazard and are often used to alert a tailgater to back off.

ADias

That's what the hazard lights are for. Of course a stopped disabled car should also have the hazard lights on.

Tj40

In the UK it used to be common for a 18 wheeler to flash his headlamps when you were a safe distance in front so you can put back in. A quick flash for the hazards was a normal way of saying 'thanks!'.


Now I've lived in Canada for 17 years not sure how common this is anymore.....

Iceter

I only do it with tractor trailers because they're the only ones that understand what it means.

Around here, 99% of the time I try to pass, the slower car speeds up. The only signal I want to give them is a punch in the nose.

wjk_glynn

Hmmm, looks like (based on the comments above) that I should probably cease and desist...

Karl.

Wayne Smith

In the USA it is common to flick your headlights when a vehicle with trailer passes you and has gained enough lead to pull back into the right lane. It is also typical for the passing vehicle to flick their tail lights to say thank you.

But that isn't exactly the same as how to say thank you to someone who used a pull out to let you pass.

Tcc1999

In France (Provence at least) when you have a car behind you and there is is no turn out, you turn on your right signal, slow by taking your foot off the gas, and hug the shoulder. The car behind you will understand and pass. Not everyone does this but it happens more often than not.

sf_c63

I'll always wave my hand out the window, toot the horn perhaps.

There's plenty of back roads in California and I try not to ride up someone's *** if they're driving "leisurely", but a big pet peeve of mine is when a car will unexpectedly slow down,
and pull to the side without indicating. Dude...I don't know what you're doing and it's illegal to overtake on a double yellow line. Someone did this to me on a blind turn and I just slowed down with him...I appreciate the gesture but you're doing it wrong, that's why their are pullouts.