Flashing headlights

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oakdale160
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Flashing headlights

Post by oakdale160 »

I am surprised that there are not more accidents caused by the strange Thai use of flashing lights.In the US and Canada and i think in the Disunited Kingdom a flashing light is sign that they are giving you the right of way---whereas in
Thai it means ---get out the way
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StevePIraq
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by StevePIraq »

The Thai way, if it can be done backwards lets do it. I have always wondered what they will do if you flash back and continue on, however being a sensible driver I do not proceed.
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Big Boy
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by Big Boy »

I've checked the Thai Highway Code (sticky in this Forum), and neither scenario is mentioned, so there is no right way in Thailand. Just a local custom such as not pointing feet etc.
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StevePIraq
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by StevePIraq »

Hey BB how do I find that Thai Highway Code sticky?

Found it
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by Gregjam »

I am pretty sure that in the UK Highway Code the only meaning of flashing headlights is to indicate one's presence. It usually indicates that another driver is either letting you across or telling you to stop hogging the right hand lane as undertaking is illegal in the UK (not so in many other countries). Perhaps this is one of the rare instances of standard Thai driving practices matching the rules.
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by moater »

In many countries the meaning of flashing headlights from oncoming traffic is "beware, cops/speed trap ahead". I often wish Thai people would adopt this behavior.
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by HHTel »

Gregjam wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2017 11:29 am I am pretty sure that in the UK Highway Code the only meaning of flashing headlights is to indicate one's presence. It usually indicates that another driver is either letting you across or telling you to stop hogging the right hand lane as undertaking is illegal in the UK (not so in many other countries). Perhaps this is one of the rare instances of standard Thai driving practices matching the rules.
It is accepted in the UK that a flashing light is giving you the right of way. However that is contrary to the Highway Code. A headlight flash is to make other road users aware of your presence. In fact, although annoying, the Thais actually use them correctly!!
Flashing headlights highway code. The Highway Code 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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StevePIraq
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by StevePIraq »

It is accepted in the UK that a flashing light is giving you the right of way.

I think that is incorrect, in the UK flashing your lights gives the other person the right of way
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by HHTel »

Yes, a flashing light from the OTHER vehicle is ASSUMED to give you the right of way.
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by PeteC »

They also flash them giving the opposite meaning of " I'm coming, get out of the way.." when passing on a 2 lane road and they haven't given themselves enough speed/distance to make the pass before encountering oncoming traffic. Thank god for wide road shoulders on many roads to be used as an escape route! Pete :cheers:
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by stretch »

disunited kingdom is that a very united states read the news
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by oakdale160 »

i think that if they flash you before hitting you , then they are not to blame.
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by HHTel »

stretch wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2017 4:28 pm disunited kingdom is that a very united states read the news
Eh??
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Re: Flashing headlights

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oakdale160 wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2017 5:20 pm i think that if they flash you before hitting you , then they are not to blame.
:lach:
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Re: Flashing headlights

Post by huahin4ever »

A couple of years ago when my sister visited, we were on Phetkasem making the u-turn after exit from Market Village. While I was waiting for the opposite traffic to clear so I could make the u-turn, my sister pointed out that one of the on-coming cars was flashing its headlights, so I could just go ahead and do my turn. 555! I had to tell her that here it means the complete opposite. Here it means, "I'm coming at full speed so you better keep out of my way, or else!"
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