I've always been against the practice of flashing your lights to warn oncoming cars because you never know who you are warning. The police may be sitting there looking for a stolen car, a kidnapped child, a bank robber, a drunk driver, someone who was reported to be in that area. To me, it seems you are interfering in police business whether or not it's just a speed trap.

 

Interesting thoughts that I had not considered. My guess is that's not the case 99% of the time but it certainly gives one pause.

I thought it states in the traffic book that your are to flash your lights if an oncoming car has their brights on to let them know to turn them off.

 

I was told years back in traffic school expressly not to do that. That can create a situation where both drivers are distracted and/or blinded by high beams.

I would say it should be illegal at night, but during the day, I see no harm in it.

I would say it should be illegal at night, but during the day, I see no harm in it.

 

Agreed. I can see the potential harm at night.

I do it. woops.

I hope not I do it everytime.

I do it during the day sometimes not necessarily for a cop but wreck, deer, etc... I don't do it at night.

It's a far bigger hazard to pop over a hill and see people slamming on the brakes because of a cop in the median. That drives me nuts! Take your foot off the accelerator, but stay off the brake!

I've always been against the practice of flashing your lights to warn oncoming cars because you never know who you are warning. The police may be sitting there looking for a stolen car, a kidnapped child, a bank robber, a drunk driver, someone who was reported to be in that area. To me, it seems you are interfering in police business whether or not it's just a speed trap.

 

That's a very interesting and astute observation. Never had considered that angle.

 

I very seldom flash my lights for anyone. If I do, it's usually because of an accident or a group of deer in the middle of the road. Where I live, you often see the latter more than the former.

I haven't read the story but there are no obstruction laws in KY so to speak that would apply in this situation. Where motorist can run a risk is when the flash their lights by turning them off and then back on vs. going on to high bean and then back to on. When you turn them off you do have failure to illuminate. I generally flash my lights when there is some type of hazard I just passed that I think will make everyone coming at the hazard safer. Other than that you are on your own...

Someone said it. All about revenue. If flashing you're lights makes people slow down, isn't that the ultimate goal? Just like when cops give minor in possession of alcohol citations and don't dump out the alcohol. It's clearly about revenue and not cutting down on the illegal activity or keeping people safe. If you asked me I'd say it's around 20% about safety, 80% about revenue.

I flash my lights to return the favor. I have seen flashing lights many times followed by a cop sitting down the road waiting for speeders. I'll always flash my lights if I am fortunate enough to pass a cop and not get a ticket.

I don't flash my lights, because usually I'm just concerned about my own driving. :lol: Now, if we want to talk about people who drive with thier high beams on and don't lower them when they see you coming in the opposite direction, or are behind you, I've got a rant.

Someone said it. All about revenue. If flashing you're lights makes people slow down, isn't that the ultimate goal? Just like when cops give minor in possession of alcohol citations and don't dump out the alcohol. It's clearly about revenue and not cutting down on the illegal activity or keeping people safe. If you asked me I'd say it's around 20% about safety, 80% about revenue.

 

I've NEVER seen that happen. At least not that I can recall.

I don't flash my lights, because usually I'm just concerned about my own driving. :lol: Now, if we want to talk about people who drive with thier high beams on and don't lower them when they see you coming in the opposite direction, or are behind you, I've got a rant.

 

Do you always turn off your brights, even if it's like a 4 lane with a median that's a lane or two wide as well?