Driving Etiquette – Communicating / Signaling

For some time I have thought that someone should put together a driving communication etiquette scheme which builds on the basics of driving etiquette as laid out very well in the Highway Code & Debrett’s Driving Etiquette guide, and as I still seem unable to find any, I’m putting my thoughts down!

Please feel free to comment, and maybe we can build on / improve it!?

Driving Etiquette – Communicating / Signaling

1. Thank You:
– In front of you / oncoming: 3 quick flashes (or clicks) of your full beams.
– Behind you: Engage your warning / hazard lights for 3 “clicks”.

2. OK / Understood:
– In front of you / oncoming: 1 quick flash of full beams.
– Behind you: 2 quick taps of the brake pedal.

3. Go / I Give Way to You / Please overtake me:
– In front of you / oncoming: 2 quick flashes (or clicks) of your full beams.
– Behind you (overtaking):  Indicate left, move over to the left side of the lane & slow down.

4. Warning: (An accident / hazard approaching, or speed cameras etc)
– In front of you / oncoming:  2 long (0.5 seconds) “flashes” of full beams.
– Behind you: Indicate alternately left & right repeatedly.

5. Back Off: (You’re too close to me)
– Behind you: 3 taps of the brake pedal. (Repeated with a 2 second pause between.)

6. I’d like to overtake you please:
– In front of you (Obviously): 1 long flash followed by 2 short flashes, followed by one further long flash.

7. Turn your lights on:
– In front of you: 3 long flashes of your full beams.
– Behind you: Alternate hazard and brake lights 3 times.

8. You have a flat tire / your car is damaged:
– In front of you: 5 quick flashes of your full beams.

I think that covers it for now, I’ll add more as I think of them… Suggestions / amendments appreciated.