Trucker hazard lights
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
Originally posted by Mil1ion
I think you are referring to me.
I guess should have added that I only flash the Highbeams during the day when headlights are harder to see.
I drove truck a for 20 years.
I think you are referring to me.
I guess should have added that I only flash the Highbeams during the day when headlights are harder to see.
I drove truck a for 20 years.
As far as running the hazards I do this anytime the conditions call for me to reduce my speed to more than 5-10mph slower than the posted speed limit just to let people coming up on me at speed that I am moving slow it wakes them up enough to realize that something is wrong, and to pay attention
While we are discussing lights, I want to get on a soap box for just a second if it isn't foggy turn off your fog lights, they can be more blinding than high beams expecially since very few of them are adjusted properly, that would be pointing at the ground about 15-20ft in front of the car not over the top of oncoming cars, which happens to be in the windshield of a big truck,
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
justdan & monsterbaby Pretty much set it straight.
Those flashing the bright lights at night is just dangerous. I understand your just trying to be courteous but trust me when I say if you flash your bright lights or run with your fog lights on your but is getting cussed at badly.
Most people that have those daytime running lamps that think we won't see you turn your lights on and off, don't worry about it. We as truck drivers out being on the roads day or night can tell the difference between daytime running lamps & dim head lights.
I've got a beef to complain about also.
People, when you have a big truck passing you, watch your speed & back off. Most people don't realize it I'm sure. But to me it seems like everytime I pass a car that is moving slower then I am they seem to speed up & get into my blind spot. When you do this whether you know it or not you are putting myself & yourself into severe danger.
Those flashing the bright lights at night is just dangerous. I understand your just trying to be courteous but trust me when I say if you flash your bright lights or run with your fog lights on your but is getting cussed at badly.
Most people that have those daytime running lamps that think we won't see you turn your lights on and off, don't worry about it. We as truck drivers out being on the roads day or night can tell the difference between daytime running lamps & dim head lights.
I've got a beef to complain about also.
People, when you have a big truck passing you, watch your speed & back off. Most people don't realize it I'm sure. But to me it seems like everytime I pass a car that is moving slower then I am they seem to speed up & get into my blind spot. When you do this whether you know it or not you are putting myself & yourself into severe danger.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Originally posted by monsterbaby
high-beams at night can be very blinding but I even see truck drivers do it
high-beams at night can be very blinding but I even see truck drivers do it
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Maybe the guy dropped his beer and while bending over to pick it up, he hit the hazard light button with his head.
Once he retrieved his beer, he shut them off again.
I think you guys are reading waaaay too much into this hazard light thing...
Once he retrieved his beer, he shut them off again.
I think you guys are reading waaaay too much into this hazard light thing...
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Never flash high beams at truckers.
When driving around 18 wheelers, learn the signals. When one rig passes another, the PASSED rig will turn his headlights OFF-ON to indicate that it is safe to return to the right lane. Once back in the right lane, the PASSING rig will flash his accessory trailer lights to indicate a thank you. Big rigs have a minimum of seven(7) mirrors all facing the driver. 2-5x11 flat mirrors, 4-9" round convex mirrors, and as many 5" round convex mirrors as needed. When you flash high beams at a big rig, you blind the driver. Then he's got to recover his night vision. For a few seconds you've got a blind driver pushing an 80,000lb Sledg-o-matic. This might help you to understand the statement: "Truck driving is ten hours of boredom, frequently interrupted by moments of sheer terror" Please folks, OFF/ON not high/low. Thanks.
I drove as an Owner/Operator for 33 years with no accidents, and no tickets...Forced into retirement last year at 56 because of diminishing eye sight. CDL eye exams are 10 times more critical than regular exams.
I drove as an Owner/Operator for 33 years with no accidents, and no tickets...Forced into retirement last year at 56 because of diminishing eye sight. CDL eye exams are 10 times more critical than regular exams.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Iowa Soon Texas
"Truck driving is ten hours of boredom, frequently interrupted by moments of sheer terror"
Man if that isn't the truth!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
From: CHEESELAND, USA
For those of you that flash your high beams don't feel we are picking on you. I get the "BRIGHTS" by so called professionals ever night. As lakota said we are blinded for a millisecond and that can be the longest millisecond of your life. Courtesy is always appreciated..........doing nothing is appreciated more than doing something stupid. Hey pick up the mike and talk, I like that the best.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,773
Likes: 7
From: On the road in Ohio
i got question that maybe a few truckes can answer,and don't take this the wrong way, .....but why is it some trucks wait till the last minute to signal and make a lane change with traffic approaching? .......also when they do this,only do a mile a hour faster than the truck their passing, then after passing and going back to the right, they speed up ? i drive 50,000 + a year, for the last 9yrs and see this all the time, is it done only to 4wheelers? please keep in mind i want to hear a legit reason for this.
4wheelers? please keep in mind i want to hear a legit reason for this.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Slow passing explained
Consider two trucks rolling along, one loaded heavy and one loaded light. Both come to a slight almost unoticable rise in the road or hill. The heavy truck bogs down, and the lighter begins to pass. they're side-by-side as they crest the hill. Now the heavy truck picks up speed because of his weight, and he'll use that momentum to get him over the next rise. The lighter passing truck has a tough time passing because most big rigs are governed at 72 mph. Also, he may be staying in the passing lane because another incline is coming, and the heavy truck is only going tp slow down again. Remember...880cid deisel engines don't have the accelleration factor like 302/351/460cid gasoline engines do. Does that help explain it???