Are YOU a flasher?!?

[willn513]

No no- not THAT kind of flashing...

So we were heading home from a great ribs/chicken dinner at my moms tonight and I spotted a blue and white (note: for legal reasons this was definitely NOT a cop car) sitting in a parking lot off the side of the 4 lane 45mph road. I wasn't speeding but it is easy to do 60-65 on this stretch of road and it is a known 'trap' around here.

So after we passed, I flashed my head lights at oncoming cars and bikes to give them a 'heads up' that there was a not so friendly vehicle waiting up the road for them.

I received a few waves and nods thanking me for the alert. Now I don't know the legality of my actions, but it is something I have always done. My dad does it, his dad did it. I learned it and I do it. I will probably always do it.

My wife on the other hand- not so much. We started discussing this Flasher behavior and her feeling on it is that if someone is speeding they are knowingly taking a chance that they could get ticketed (let's not get into safety, etc. I'm only talking about normal speeding here not 100 in a 25mph).

So it got me thinking- what do most people do? To flash, or not to flash. That is the question.

 

[Ryda55555]

I've got flashed before to warn me about blue and whites and i have to say it definitely saved me from a ticket/points
The problem with me is that it hasnt become a good enough habit for me to remember to flash before they're already passed me.
If i could remember i would definitely do it because getting tickets SUCKS and they're probably using part of that money for more radars or speed trapping devices lol

The only time i flash people is at night to tell them to go ahead at an intersection or when people forget to turn on their lights and drive around in a pitch black car

 

[Playsinsnow]

I flash whenever possible, been saved myself. At night I use the fogs since this is closer to legal than flashing the high beams at night in MN. II oncoming traffic is heavy I don't. You put others at a higher risk speeding in traffic. Speed kills.

I don't remind others their lights are off at night. Could be homies riding or drunk.

Wife never flashes except for high beam aholes. Avoids unnecessary attention to herself.

 

[dmanns67]

I used to flash vehicles with headlights off at night and if there is a cop sitting on the side of the road to warn traffic, but not anymore.

A few years ago I was driving home from a theme park at night and came up on a vehicle in front of me with their lights off. I flashed them twice and their speed decreased from 55mph (Speed limit on the road) to 30mph. I followed for about a mile until it was clear to pass. I passed the vehicle and was cruising about 60mph and they came flying up behind me flashing their head lights. I slowed down to 45mph thinking they were in a hurry now and wanted to pass, but they stayed behind me. I got onto the interstate to lose the vehicle, but sure enough they were still there. Just to make sure they were following me, I got onto the interstate and off twice and the vehicle is still there. Luckily they were driving a POS and I down shifted and went WOT to over a 100mph to gain enough distance they could not follow anymore and got off of the interstate and took the back roads home.

On my way back to college after Christmas break traveling on I-75 through Kentucky, the state police had a speed trap set-up where biker cops were on the over pass with the radar gun clocking vehicles. There were about 4 state cruisers lined up on the on-ramp to I-75 on both sides (North and South). The troopers on the over pass was calling out the speeders to the cruisers lined up. Apparently one of the troopers seen me flashing on coming traffic and pulled out behind me with their lights on. The state police went into a speech about obsrtuction of justice and how warning other vehicles is against the law. I got away with just a warning, but after that no more flashing.

Now my flashing is limited to driver's who like to forget their brights are on while driving at night down two lane country roads.

 

[Ilikemy3s]

I uauslly flash for no lights on .. high beams in my eyes and also if I see a tractor trailer wants to change into my lane .. I will back off and give him room while flashing .. once they move over 99% of the time I get a thank you flash back

 

[mrphoenix80]

I flash for a few reasons.
1) to warn on coming traffic of a threat down the road. (deer, accident, and of course the odd speed trap)
2) because a lot of cars today come with a switch to turn on the high beams but not one to turn them off!!

I got this one the other night. I passed a truck and after I passed he hit the highs in my mirror. Ok fine.. I know my lights are bright. I didnt get bothered too much until he dimmed for oncoming traffic, and then went back to highs! At that point I was a bit. So I pulled over and let him by. Then I explained to him my dislike, and that I had my lows on behind him.

 

[redleg6]

use to flash oncoming traffic when there was a cop sitting behind me, but not so much anymore, actually rarely...but when i'm on a bike, i'll let other riders know about speed traps

 

[Grimor]

I flash all the time. I've had pigs (not cops, cops solve crimes) try to run a spiel about not doing it but for some reason they can't cite any law that makes it illegal. I've gotten tons of tickets, but currently no points on my license. I have a problem with a backdoor tax under the guise of public safety. It's funny how the number of tickets go up when budgets go down, and they can afford new mustangs and camaros that "generate revenue"

If cops cared about public safety, all cop cars would be bright orange and not try to hide just to trap people. Some of the most dangerous drivers on the road are cops, going 100+ mph because they see a seat belt ticket they can write. Riding the ass of other drivers because they think they are above the law.

Yes, I'm the guy on the side of the road with a sign that says speed trap ahead.

 

[Hatchet]

On my way back to college after Christmas break traveling on I-75 through Kentucky, the state police had a speed trap set-up where biker cops were on the over pass with the radar gun clocking vehicles. There were about 4 state cruisers lined up on the on-ramp to I-75 on both sides (North and South). The troopers on the over pass was calling out the speeders to the cruisers lined up. Apparently one of the troopers seen me flashing on coming traffic and pulled out behind me with their lights on. The state police went into a speech about obsrtuction of justice and how warning other vehicles is against the law. I got away with just a warning, but after that no more flashing.

Now my flashing is limited to driver's who like to forget their brights are on while driving at night down two lane country roads.

I remember there being a court case as a guy got arrested for doing that. I believe he won and the court said it was a 1st amendment right. Now I gotta go find it.

Florida case. Not sure how far up it went.

http://jonathanturley.org/2012/05/2...er-drivers-of-speed-trap-is-protected-speech/

 

[Conner299]

I flash for various reasons. Usually never flash cars that are travelling the same direction as me, unless it is a semi trying to get over. If their blinker is on, Ill give them a pair of double flashes, just to let them know Im not going to try and pass as they are trying to come over. Im usually rewarded with them flashing their hazards, a few times, as a thank you. Saw a pair of semi's do this for each other, many years ago, and has always just stuck with me.

 

[Denali n DOO]

I only flash at oncoming traffic with hi beams on and to tractor trailers changing lanes to let them know they can move over. I do not flash for police radar traps, if someone chooses to speed then deal with it if you get caught, nor do I flash those with their lights off for reasons mentioned above. Around here a few years back it was rumored that the gangs or whatever would drive around in a car with the lights off and then go beat up n rob or stab the person in the 10th car that flashes them, or something like that . I too don't like to bring attention to myself...

 

[navigator]

I used to flash but now figure if someone is going fast enough to get pulled over then they likely deserve it.

 

[Mooseman]

Around here a few years back it was rumored that the gangs or whatever would drive around in a car with the lights off and then go beat up n rob or stab the person in the 10th car that flashes them, or something like that

That is one of the oldest urban legends, since 1998.
snopes.com: Flashing Headlights Gang Initiation

I'll flash for oncoming high beams, lights not on or oncoming road hazards. And there IS a law against it in Ontario: Improper use of headlights. How that law is used is at the officer's discretion.

And on the subject of lights not on, I am noticing a lot of them. They are mostly imports and Fords because they do not have automatic headlights (or it's off) and the lighting inside is deceiving. The DRL's are on and the dash is lit up but the lows and parking lights are not. Makes them think they're on when they're not.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I only flash if I get brighted.

 

[SmokeyMcBlazer]

I come from a long line of flashers! Parents, uncles, grandparents, all flashers! Most of them god fearing christians too! Now if I don't flash it feels like I'm letting them down.

 

[yodaddy4200]

If you are not doing the speed limit and im behind you... Ill ride your ass until you get the hint.. If its night time and you dont get the hint you'll be getting beamed up!!

Ill only flash to warn people of cops if i know for certain the popo cant see me flashin

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

If you are not doing the speed limit and im behind you... Ill ride your ass until you get the hint.. If its night time and you dont get the hint you'll be getting beamed up!! :

When assholes do that shit to me they get brake checked and I run about 20 n never let em pass. Not required to do the speed limit..its the max not the mandatory speed.

 

[Boricua SS]

the urban legend for flashing was/is true in Ohio... this is exactly why I don't flash anyone for anything... the only way, if a semi passes me and I see them hit their turn signal, i'll slow down a bit and flash to let them know its safe to switch lanes...

but back when I first got my license in '96 (I was 16) the "flashing cars with lights off and they chase you gig" was in full effect and happening quite frequently where I live... they would drive around with their lights off... no high's on or anything like that.. just lights off... soon as you flashed, busted a u turn and went after you... I too had a person follow me for quite some time after I flashed them and I ended up going to the next town over and losing them there, then came right back home and parked in my parents garage since they were on vacation..

 

[Playsinsnow]

When assholes do that shit to me they get brake checked and I run about 20 n never let em pass. Not required to do the speed limit..its the max not the mandatory speed.

I gave a full size chev the brake check middle lane of interstate back in college and he rode my ass, instead of trying to shake him I drove 5 under and had about a dozen guys waiting in the driveway when I arrived. He drove by a few times until two decided to take their trucks and follow him ( I did not condone that).
Old man says to drive straight to cop shop next time.

There's a video of a Russian waving his ak out to stop a rager !

 

[dmanns67]

the urban legend for flashing was/is true in Ohio... this is exactly why I don't flash anyone for anything... the only way, if a semi passes me and I see them hit their turn signal, i'll slow down a bit and flash to let them know its safe to switch lanes...

but back when I first got my license in '96 (I was 16) the "flashing cars with lights off and they chase you gig" was in full effect and happening quite frequently where I live... they would drive around with their lights off... no high's on or anything like that.. just lights off... soon as you flashed, busted a u turn and went after you... I too had a person follow me for quite some time after I flashed them and I ended up going to the next town over and losing them there, then came right back home and parked in my parents garage since they were on vacation..

I believe it. My story I posted above about coming home from a theme park was Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. I was heading home to Monroe, Ohio. That guy following me was nuts and went on for about 30 min. I was in high school as well, year 2001/2002 when the incident happened. I had my nicely tuned Civic Si back then and once on I-75 I was able to out run them. Luckily there were no cops around or 120mph in a 65mph would have been an expensive ticket.

 

[Porkins]

Did do it when I first started driving, now I don't do it now for the 5-0. I only flash for high beam assholes, drivers who have to pull out in front of me and go slow when no one is behind me, and the many dumb asses who drive without headlights at night or during a rain storm.

What if there is a fugitive in that speeding vehicle you just flashed?

 

[Grimor]

What if there is a fugitive in that speeding vehicle you just flashed?

then he will likely keep driving since he probably won't want to go back to jail and obviously already has a car. Or do you think he'll suddenly pull a u turn and run from the cops all because of your tip? Then maybe the cops are going to come after you and get you for aiding a fugitive..

Or more likely, 99.9999% of the people aren't wanted criminals driving around just waiting for you to tell them where the cops are.

 

[Porkins]

then he will likely keep driving since he probably won't want to go back to jail and obviously already has a car. Or do you think he'll suddenly pull a u turn and run from the cops all because of your tip? Then maybe the cops are going to come after you and get you for aiding a fugitive..

If you are a wanted person and you just got flashed, wouldn't you slow down or go around on a side street? If no one flashed the fugitive and he/she kept speeding pass the cop then we would have a wanted person off the streets.

 

[yodaddy4200]

When assholes do that shit to me they get brake checked and I run about 20 n never let em pass. Not required to do the speed limit..its the max not the mandatory speed.

Your not aloud to hold up more than 5 vehicles where im from and on the freeway that takes about 10 seconds.. Why would you not go the speed limit under a normal circumstance? But im an asshole? You need to get some pussy or something bro.. In all your replies you sound like a butthurt old geaser??


My rig has no power when i put a box of crayons on the back so i doubt you hold many people up with all that excess 4x4 gear on your truck

I know im not a forum "god" like you and im a noob ya ya.. Try not being such a dick!!

 

[Playsinsnow]

Your not aloud to hold up more than 5 vehicles where im from and on the freeway that takes about 10 seconds.. Why would you not go the speed limit under a normal circumstance? /QUOTE]

In my travels, laws state that if you are impeding traffic, trailering or not, up to 5 cars, you must pull over at the pullout to let other pass. Not speed up. Don't ever encourage anyone to go faster. Dude has a little girl so he better go slow. I never hit the speed limit driving to work, 6miles. But I do double the limit in the wife's car on Sun morning

And I have only encountered the 5 car rule in the mountains, had my idler pulley changed in Mountain Home, ID.
Not on the interstate. That's ridiculous. Passing on a two lane country road and a two lane mountain pass are two very different scenarios. Its a LIMIT not mandatory. So does that mean in badass, I mean wonderful, snowstorms and the highway limit is now 35mph, do you do 35 or what is safe and prudent?

 

[yodaddy4200]

Your not aloud to hold up more than 5 vehicles where im from and on the freeway that takes about 10 seconds.. Why would you not go the speed limit under a normal circumstance? But im an asshole? You need to get some pussy or something bro.. In all your replies you sound like a butthurt old geaser??


My rig has no power when i put a box of crayons on the back so i doubt you hold many people up with all that excess 4x4 gear on your truck

I know im not a forum "god" like you and im a noob ya ya.. Try not being such a dick!!

Wow i was out of line. I took those comments way to seriously and i made myself come off as a total dickhead. Ive sent hardtrailz a PM. But i wanted to say sorry to everyone at gmtnation for being an asshole. Sorry guys

 

[TexazReece]

I only flash when I'm signaling someone that they can move over, speed traps, letting person know that I would like to pass ( only when in far left lane but if other lanes are open I just move over and pass.

 

[jellybean]

i mainly flash when oncoming traffic forget to dim their lights, or if there is an obstruction or accident or any reason for the need to slow down and be alert ahead of them.

i live out in the country and you never know what youll see on the road ways, cows out, bails of hay fell of trailers, slow moving tractors etc

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

I don't flash. I figure if you are breaking the law, and you get caught, its your own fault. I appreciate when others do it for me, but choose not to aid others in avoiding a ticket.

 

[jrSS]

Your not aloud to hold up more than 5 vehicles where im from and on the freeway that takes about 10 seconds.. Why would you not go the speed limit under a normal circumstance? But im an asshole? You need to get some pussy or something bro.. In all your replies you sound like a butthurt old geaser??


My rig has no power when i put a box of crayons on the back so i doubt you hold many people up with all that excess 4x4 gear on your truck

I know im not a forum "god" like you and im a noob ya ya.. Try not being such a dick!!

Hes not a forum "god" per se'.....just a post whore....and the pussy remark.....well hes got a kid on the way...so that speaks for itself. Trailz is a highly likable dude and responsible as hell. Way to man up and apologize.

 

[Midnyteryder196]

since in IA its not a law to have lights on when wipers are needed, i find myself flashing alot at ppl who dont understand that just because you can see, it doesnt mean others can see you when its raining/snowing.... also flash big trucks too.. but word of advice.. if you flash big truck only use high beams during day.. other wise use fogs or turn lights off at night.. that always pisses me off when i get high beamed flashed to come over at night

 

[gpking]

It's rare I'll ever see an actual speed trap, but I always flash unless it's on the interstate.
If you're going 95 in a 65 you deserve the ticket.

I also try my best to flash whenever there is something dangerous ahead like a patch of ice or a deer. I've been saved multiple times from hitting deer because other drivers warned me.

 

[Too Fast]

Yes I usually flash. Let's people know about speed trap. It's not illegal.

 

[Envoy_04]

For deer or dangerous obstructions. Both are super common where I live, been saved several times myself by others doing it, so I do as well. I'll do it to let people over on the interstate as well - truckers usually run the hazards for a few seconds to thank you. As far as people with no lights on and those who high beam me - I tend to let them go as I've had to lose a couple of road ragers before.

 

[Mooseman]

In Ontario, it actually is illegal to flash the headlights to warn about speed traps. They call it "Improper use of headlights".

As far as getting flashed for leaving my high beams on (it happens to all of us), I'll go to low beams right away but then the asshole that (justifiably) flashed me will turn on his highs early just enough to blind me as he's going by and I can't retaliate.

 

[IllogicTC]

Yes I usually flash. Let's people know about speed trap. It's not illegal.

'Murica! Yeah, flashing to warn about free speech was recently held up in a court as falling under the first amendment.

 

[smt 59]

I uses to flash all the time but it seems like most people do not know what it's all about anymore around the city. When I'm up north it is common practice.

 

[The_Roadie]

As far as getting flashed for leaving my high beams on (it happens to all of us), I'll go to low beams right away but then the asshole that (justifiably) flashed me will turn on his highs early just enough to blind me as he's going by and I can't retaliate.

It's called High Beam Sniping by a few of us. Ya gotta hate Ebay bidders for the same tactic, now almost obsolete by the auto-bidding limit you can set in case you get sniped. What we need is a flash grenade to launch backwards at one of those asshats, to land in front of them 1/10 mile down the road.

 

[IllogicTC]

I uses to flash all the time but it seems like most people do not know what it's all about anymore around the city. When I'm up north it is common practice.

No, they're all scared because of the hoax running around the Internet that news stations eventually picked up about high beams being on or flashing meaning it's a potential gang member trying to find a target.

 

[Darkrider_LS]

I used to flash to warn others on the road of cops or something behind me but not anymore...about the only time i flash someone or "Light them up" is when i encounter the idiots running around with no lights on at all. More often then not when i hold the stalk to light up all 4 lights they usually get the point and turn on the lights quickly. Unlike the idiot last night...