Motorists may be using their lights wrong and not know it, with one expert saying, ‘it’s not okay’.
Driving Instructor and theory test expert, Annie Winterburn, who runs Theory Test Practice, has said that learners and experienced drivers alike need to be careful when someone flashes their lights, or risk a crash.
Posing a frequently asked question, Annie said: “Is it okay to flash your lights to let somebody know that you’re letting them out of a junction, or flashing your lights to thank somebody?”
The answer? Don’t do it. She explained on TikTok to her 1.2 million followers: “No, it’s not. You should flash your lights as a warning to warn other road users of your presence.
“But what are you going to do if somebody flashes their lights at you? What are you going to do in your driving test if somebody flashes their lights to say you can come out?”
Talking to all road users, not just learners, the expert suggests: “The first thing you’re going to do if you’re going to make sure that they are talking to you, that they are flashing their lights for you, and that it’s actually safe for you to do what they’re asking you to do
“So you don’t need to ignore them, but you don’t need to be very cautious and very careful. Don’t go if it’s not safe.
“If it is safe, make sure they’re actually talking to you. Because you don’t know, there could be somebody behind you.”
The qualified driving instructor and instructor trainer with over 10 years of experience recalled: “I was in a driving lesson many years ago, and somebody flashed their lights.
View 2 ImagesIt may cause you to fail your driving test if you go when flashed and it’s not safe(Image: Getty)
“A car driver went, and at the same time, an ambulance driver behind them went. They crashed into each other. So make sure they’re talking to you.”
She concluded her video by saying flashing your lights is “not necessary” unless it’s warning others that you are there.
According to the Highway Code, Rule 104 notes that drivers should “watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe.”
Rule 110 covers “flashing headlights” and states: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”
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Rule 111 also covers this behaviour, with the experts stressing: “Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”