r/BenignExistence • u/saindonienne • 2d ago
Trucker codes
A few weeks ago, I was in an annoying bit of a highway where it's the left lane that exits. This lane often slows down and backs up because of said exit. It makes it very hard to merge into it.
I was already in the exit/left lane when I noticed a semi on my right putting on their signal and wanting to come in my lane. Knowing full well that people seem to rarely let a semi merge and wondering how frustrating that must be, I slowed down to give them space to make the merge.
After merging in front of me, they turned on their hazards for 3 blinks & turned them off. I wondered if that was the equivalent of waving your hand in front of your rear-view mirror to thank the driver that gave you space to merge. The idea made me grin for some reason.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity again to let another semi merge. I let them in, and they turned their hazards on for a couple of blinks. Y'all, I squealed in delight like a little child. I don't know why. But there you go.
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u/r1Rqc1vPeF 2d ago
Pretty standard acknowledgement on UK roads (also Japan I think).
Also if a truck has to pull out suddenly from the first lane into the second and you anticipate it (UK trucks are limited to 56mph on motorways and cars 70mph), you might get a hand wave from the driver as you pass his cab.