Every day, commuters may unknowingly pass by a unique community of individuals on the highways: truck drivers. Through CB radios, Waze warnings, and high-beam headlights that form distinct patterns for communication purposes; these skilled long-distance operators keep each other informed about potential obstacles – including construction work or accidents – in real time without ever having to meet face to face! What could seem like an ordinary blink from afar actually holds significant meaning within this essential communicative highway society. Here are a few ways truckers communicate with others on the road.
Passing maneuvers
Truck drivers often face the tricky situation of coming down a hill and being stuck behind slow vehicles. But instead of having to hit their brakes or lay on the horn, they can use a quick flash of their lights as a polite way to request a pass.
Drivers will often flash their headlights to signal that it’s safe for another passing driver to merge back into the right lane. Though this camaraderie is not exclusive to truckers; many four wheelers have been known utilize light flickers as an indication for sharing space with each other.
Why would truckers signal it’s safe to merge right? This gesture serves two purposes – firstly, alerting the merging driver there are no small cars or motorcycles in their blind spot; secondly, indicating the driver who just got passed isn’t trying to speed up in that space, leaving enough room ahead for the merge.
As a warning
Truckers, and other drivers on the road can use their high beams to alert fellow motorists of possible dangers ahead. The unspoken message behind this signal is always “heads up!” It could be a warning about an upcoming speed trap, accident scene, construction site, or anything else that needs caution from those driving towards it.
Truckers may not always use a light signal and instead opt to communicate via CB radio to other truckers to warn them of a potential hazard. However, there are times when a quick headlight flick is more appropriate, such as when wanting to warn other motorists who aren’t truckers or when passing something on the road that won’t allow time for a CB warning, plus, not everyone has a CB radio these days – though it’s a good investment for any trucker.
Why non-truckers should pay attention
While zipping down the highway, it can be easy to overlook slow-moving semi trucks in the right lane. But being aware of truckers on roadways could prove invaluable: not only is adhering to posted merge laws imperative–it also shows good manners and respect when drivers oblige a faster vehicle by quickly merging into another lane after they flash their high beams. Staying alert while driving pays off and helps avoid inciting road rage. Plus, in an unpredictable world, truck drivers may provide a helpful warning. If you encounter an oncoming big rig flashing high beams at you, pay attention; they may be trying to alert you of potential danger ahead on the highway such as obstacles or law enforcement officers monitoring traffic activity.
Source: MotorBiscuit
