Critical Bill

Does anyone know the law regarding the use of signalling using main beams in the instance of an overtaking manoeuvre? For example, is it misuse if a motorist was to use his main beams to communicate his dissatisfaction that another motorist has legally overtaken him?

And would it be appropriate to respond in kind?

GC8

If you got a girlfriend; this sad ****e would be less important to you...

unclebuck

It would be impossible to respond in kind as you would be in front of the 'flashee'. Unless of course you performed a 180 degree hand brake turn and headed back toward them with headlights blazing.

Critical Bill

This isn't strictly true.... there is always the 'switch on the rear fogs to feign breaking' gambit!

Critical Bill

That's funny, I thought you were the one that had to obsessively post an acerbic remark in each of my threads. Bitter lemons, how gratifying.

GC8

It amuses me to mock you; I pity you too.....

ukdave

Get ppl doin it to me all the time-usually when a artic could have followed me through there were that much room, usually old folks who think it bothers you "yer that`l teach him if i flash me lights" usually give em a friendly wave bk or just flash the hazzards they dont realise how quick you can accelerate and how pissed off youve been following them (usually at 10mph below the speed limit)

mart360

Did you not read the highway code?

Headlights/ the use of.

Flashing of headlights has one use, and one use only!

To warn other road users of your presence.

If you flash someone as an encouragement to perform a maneuverer, and said person is involved in an accident, The excuse of he flashed me to say i could go will not stand up in court.

It is your responsibility as a road user to ascertain if right of way is safe, not to rely on a third party's judgment.



Mart

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

The Highway Code On Headlights

Also for help/completeness included use of horn


90: Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights in an attempt to intimidate other road users.

91: If another driver flashes his headlights never assume that it is a signal to go. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.

92: The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn

while stationary on the road
when driving in a built up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am
except when another vehicle poses a danger.

Law CUR reg 99


So in answer to your first question, yes.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Answer To Second Question from Highway Code

122: You MUST NOT

drive dangerously
drive without due care and attention
drive without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Law RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 as amended by RTA 1991

123: You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property.
Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & RTA sect 34

124: Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular

do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit
take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
where there are junctions, be prepared for vehicles emerging
in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. If pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you.

125: Be considerate. Be careful of and considerate towards other road users. You should

try to be understanding if other drivers cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well
be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake
not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey
slow down and hold back if a vehicle pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow it to get clear. Do not over-react by driving too close behind it.

126: Safe driving needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving such as

loud music (this may mask other sounds)
trying to read maps
inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio
arguing with your passengers or other road users
eating and drinking.


So in answer to your second question, I'm afraid, no.

Hope that helps

Puff

Critical Bill

Thank you for your response Wagon, so if it IS misuse, would you see the way clear to take retaliative measures?

alanbell

iTrader: (6)

wagon drivers >> after they overtake another wagon most times flash there headlights to say its safe to pull in >> your passed me , > safely , But thats just what they do ????? And done so for years .

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

In answer to this, see here

94: You MUST NOT

use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users
use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.

Law RVLR reg 27

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Same time posting, see thread above your post.

Critical Bill

Yes noted, so the 'rear foglight gambit' is out, but how about slowly bringing the car to a halt and then, for want of better words, 'making them wet their pants with fear'?

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

S125:Be considerate.Be careful of and considerate towards other road users. You should

try to be understanding if other drivers cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well
be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake
not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey

I think you will find that sums it all up

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

find some better words as your actions might be construed as "threatening behaviour"

Critical Bill

Thank you Wagon, you have been most helpful and, I dare say, have set an admirable example!

Next time someone flashes their lights at me when I have completed a safe and legal overtaking manoeuvre I shall ram them off the road and refuse to give them a reason for doing so.

Then later, after my boss has given inappropriate reasons to the victim, I will go back to the scene of the RTA and quote chapter and verse at him, highlighting passages of the Highway code and interpreting them as I see fit.

Gentlemen, I think we have it!

Suresh

and that's just for flashing their lights at you?

What would you do if someone did something really, really serious, like spilling your pint?



P.S. Good work on getting the mods wound up in policy

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Folks, as Critical Bill has obviously had the last word, then I will now close the thread. Who would be I to argue with such astute logic.

Thanks

Puff