From "thank you" to "traffic police ahead": how to understand drivers' signals

"Hazard lights": thank you or warning

With a brief activation of the hazard warning lights, drivers often thank those who let them pass or helped them change lanes. They can also use it to indicate that there is a problem with the car or that the driver is in a difficult situation.

Krasnov believes that the meaning of such a signal is usually clear from the circumstances.

"Suppose you helped a driver change lanes, and he flashed his 'hazard lights' — you understand that he said 'thank you,' not warned of danger, right?" says the instructor.

But another option is possible: after changing lanes, the driver noticed an obstacle and turned on the 'hazard lights' specifically because of it. Therefore, not every such flash should be perceived as thanks.

According to traffic regulations, hazard warning lights are used, among other things, in traffic accidents, forced stops on the carriageway or where stopping is prohibited, dazzling by headlights, and to warn of danger. When towing, they are turned on on the towed vehicle.

A truck's right turn signal can mean a normal turn

Among drivers, primarily long-haul truckers, an unspoken agreement has developed: a left turn signal from the car ahead can mean 'do not overtake, it's dangerous,' and a right one — 'you can overtake.'

However, this is not a guarantee that the oncoming lane is clear. Krasnov gives an example: he was driving behind a truck that had its right turn signal on. At first, he thought the driver was suggesting he overtake. But, after checking the road, he saw an oncoming car. The truck simply pulled over to the roadside, and its driver got out to buy berries and mushrooms.

It also happens that people confuse the unspoken meanings of signals.

Once, Krasnov recounts, he tried to overtake a car on the M1 highway three times. Each time its driver turned on the left turn signal, and the instructor aborted the maneuver. Later, near Mir Castle, they talked.

"I approached him and asked, 'What did you mean to indicate?' His answer surprised me: 'That you can overtake me,'" Krasnov said.

Therefore, before overtaking, one must personally ensure that the road is clear and the maneuver is safe. Especially at night, when it is harder to notice an oncoming vehicle or understand another driver's intentions.

Flashing headlights does not always mean "I'm letting you pass"

With brief flashes of high beams, drivers often indicate that they are yielding the road: for example, allowing others to change lanes in front of them. Krasnov interprets a prolonged activation of high beams differently — as an attempt to attract attention and warn: 'Wait until I pass.'

But another driver might not notice the flash or might not understand it. The instructor says that a short audible signal sometimes attracts attention more quickly.

However, traffic regulations allow signaling only to prevent an accident or to warn of an intention to overtake outside a populated area. A simple invitation to change lanes is not a separate reason for an audible signal.

When an oncoming car flashes persistently

By flashing headlights, drivers warn not only about the traffic police.

Ahead there could be an accident, an obstacle, or a car blocking the road behind a turn or a hill.

"If an oncoming driver flashes their headlights very persistently on the highway, it means something very serious is ahead," Krasnov explains.

In such a case, he advises reducing speed and being ready to even stop.

The instructor also draws attention to situations where drivers bypass an accident or a broken-down car but do not warn those following about the obstruction.

"A piece of advice for everyone: if you see a broken-down car or an accident, change to a free lane not with the turn signal on, but with the hazard lights. Because if you just turn on the turn signal, the driver behind will think the lane ahead is clear," states Yury Krasnov.

What is indicated by hands

Drivers can use gestures to thank, greet, or draw attention to a malfunction. For example, by pointing to a wheel, they try to communicate that it is flat. A palm facing downwards is used as a request to slow down.

But not every problem can be explained on the go. According to Krasnov, if someone forgot to turn off their turn signal, they might simply not understand another driver's gestures. Sometimes it's easier to communicate this when both cars stop at a traffic light.

A raised hand can also have different meanings: it can be a thank you or a greeting, and in cases stipulated by traffic regulations, it can be a braking signal.

Unspoken agreements do not replace rules

Krasnov believes that drivers used to understand each other better. Now, in his opinion, some motorists know neither the unspoken signals nor the traffic regulations themselves.

Moreover, road habits can persist even after rule changes. As an example, he cites turn signals when entering a roundabout. Currently, traffic regulations stipulate that they are not used when entering such an intersection.

The instructor's main advice is to check the situation yourself. Even if another driver's signal seems clear.

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