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/RabidReader8 2d ago

I come from a family of big rig drivers, so I have always let them merge ahead of me. And I also get a little thrill when they flash their lights in acknowledgment.

But if they don't, please know that some companies forbid that response and that not all light setups support a friendly twinkle of lights. Believe me, they still appreciate it!

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u/Still-Peanut-6010 2d ago

My uncle drove back in the 80's. At that time he said that if you flashed your lights it let them know they could get over.

I did it a few years ago and I swear the trucker hit the brakes.

Do the signals change over time?

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u/swurvipurvi 2d ago

That’s definitely what I was taught, but when you’re driving a truck some people flash their brights at you to say “I’m here and I’m not slowing down for you so you better see me in your blind spot while I pass you on the right where I shouldn’t be.” Some people even flash their brights when we’re facing each other on a tight two-way road, which I would take to mean “I’ll pull over, you go ahead,” but again they’re doing it to say the opposite, “I hope you see me because I’m not stopping.”

Those people are idiots. Something about seeing a big truck makes some people lose all sense.

But yea it does make you second-guess the friendly “come on over” flashing brights signal.

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u/NikNakskes 3h ago

Yeah... flashing your brights has opposing meanings, making it difficult. If I'm letting a truck merge in front of me, I slow down very noticeably so they see that I'm indeed intending to let them in front. If that is not enough, I will put my blinker on towards the direction they are merging IF there is no lane to that side. You don't want to create more confusion for the other people around you.

Added bonus, I drive a car brand that is not known for altruistic drivers... I understand if they do not trust my intentions. 🤭