Know the code?

The Highway Code is clear and unambiguous about the use of flashing headlamps; Rule 90 states:

'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' .

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

The rules quoted above are a development of a basic principle which has been in the Highway Code from the early days. The 1946 Highway Code (rule 36) stated: 'Do not rely on signals to proceed given by unauthorised persons' (although, ironically, it also contained the 'I am ready to be overtaken' arm signal!).

Too easy to flash?

Flashing headlamps probably started to become common practice amongst drivers around the mid sixties/early seventies. The design of cars changed during that period providing a 'flasher switch' on the steering column making it easy to give a quick flash; before that light switches were generally on the dashboard with a foot operated dip switch.

Now that flashing the headlights just needed a flick of the fingers easy the 'rules' started to take a back seat.

So what dangers are presented by a driving culture in which it is common practice to flash headlamps for a variety of different reasons?