As a competent driver, you most likely know the ins and outs of the established road rules. You’ve studied, taken the test, and safely transported yourself from point A to point B numerous times. However, even with all this knowledge and experience, driving near a big rig can feel incredibly intimidating.
To effectively communicate with a truck driver, flashing your lights is your road language. Different flashes can mean different things: quickly flashing your lights to a truck driver can let them know that their trailer has passed your car with ample space to transfer into your lane and simply that you see them coming.
It is equally as important to understand how other drivers, and specifically truck drivers, are communicating with you as it is to learn how to “speak” to them. In this article, we will learn how to understand and talk to other drivers using the language of lights.
How Do Truck Drivers Communicate to Cars Without CB radio?
Semi-truck drivers are able to speak to each other with their CB radios to warn of any road trouble and avoid surprises, but how do they speak to those of us who do not have a CB radio? As we have learned, truck drivers communicate by flashing their lights, and they do so by using their headlights or trailer lights.
Learning how to communicate with trucks and other vehicles on the road can increase your confidence and ultimately your safety. So first let’s answer the absolute need-to-know question when driving next to any type of large truck: how do you signal a truck driver?
- A truck flashing its headlights into oncoming traffic signals that there is either a police cruiser or block, that traffic has stopped, or that there has been an accident up ahead. Even though you won’t know exactly what’s coming, it’s a sign to slow down and carry on with caution. How Truck Drivers Communicate
- When a truck in front of you turns on its hazards, it is an indication that they are decelerating. Either out of necessity when arriving at a hill, or if the traffic is slowing down for any reason. What Truck Drivers Want You To Know
A good rule of thumb is to give any truck ample space on the road, but watching out for their signals could make the difference between slamming on your brakes to avoid an accident and a safe slow stop.
Why Do Truck Drivers Flash Their Lights Behind You?
Truck drivers are some of the most experienced operators on the road. They have thousands of hours of experience and are hyper-aware of their surroundings. Although most of us are easily intimidated by trucks with oversized trailers, their know-how and communication can help you navigate the fast-moving highway with a little more confidence.
If you are attempting to pass a truck and you see them flashing their headlights, they are letting you know it is safe to merge back into the lane.
If you want to truly become fluent in the language of a driver’s lights, you can read from experienced operators themselves and ask questions on a variety of online feeds including this one.
How Do Truck Drivers Say Thank You?
We do not only use language for necessity but also to be respectful and courteous. Saying “thank you” is one of the most basic human kindnesses and luckily there is an easy way to express our gratitude even from the inside of our cars.
If a truck lets you pass or gives you a much-needed warning, you can show your appreciation by flashing the turn signal on the side of the lane you’re in (i.e. if you’re in the fast lane, flash your left blinker or the right blinker when in the right lane). Or, you can quickly flash left and then the right. Rules of the Road
A little thank you goes a long way, and after hours of driving it may bring a little smile to the driver’s face to see your lights flash.
Whereas, if you’d like to say thank you after you pass into any lane in front of a truck, you can flash your left or right blinker quickly to show your appreciation. How To Communicate With Truck Drivers
Conclusion
Just as you would learn a new language when traveling to a new country, it is important to learn how to speak to other drivers when words are not an option. Understanding how you can signal a truck and what they are telling you with their signals is not only helpful in attempting to communicate while on the road, it can also save your life and the lives of the drivers around you.