Understanding Trucker SignalsBy Chad Upton EditorYou can’t go far on the highway without seeing a semi-truck. While they may be intimidating to some, in many cases they are the most careful drivers on the road — their life and livelihood is on the line.Truckers usually communicate with each other using citizen’s band (CB) radios, but they communicate with you using headlights, turn signals and trailer lights. In a lot of cases, you probably don’t realize they’re doing it.Trucks have a lot of advantages over the average driver. For example, they sit a lot higher, so they see past other cars when you can’t. Also, from their CB radio, they know about things that are around the next corner.The most common signal is used by cars and trucks in oncoming lanes.
They will double-flash their headlights when they just passed a police speed trap that you’re heading toward. While this is very helpful, be sure you know your local laws about this, in some places it is against the law.More than two consecutive flashes from oncoming traffic signals that there is another type of danger ahead, such as a foreign object on the road and drivers should proceed with caution. These two signals are often confused, but the appropriate action is the same, slow down.Another signal is for lane change clearance. Because semi-trucks are so long, it can be difficult for the driver to tell if he can safely change lanes in front of you. You can quickly flash your headlights when his trailer clears your car and there is room for him to move back into the driving lane (as appose to ).This is especially useful in heavy traffic or when a truck passes you on the highway.
If he has his signal on, and he has room to fit in front of you, he expects you to quickly flash your lights to give him the OK. If you do so, he will usually flash his trailer lights a number of times to say, “thank you.”When you’re driving on the highway for a long time, you experience a condition known as velocitization — your ability to detect changes in speed is reduced.
If you’re not expecting a construction zone or some other hazard that requires a sudden reduction in speed, then it can be a dangerous situation. Truck drivers will put their flashing hazard lights on when the highway traffic is coming to an abrupt stop. This signal is fairly common among drivers in Europe, but is only common among truck drivers in North America. If you understand this signal, you’ll notice it from a great distance and you won’t have to jam your brakes at the last minute.I propose adding a “thank you” signal for motorists that move out of the passing lane when you approach from behind. Flash your left signal a couple times after your pass (or right signal if you drive on the left side of the road).If you put in a lot of highway miles, you might consider a CB radio for earlier warnings, alternate routes and good old fashioned chit-chat.
The common channel is usually 19 (although 17 is popular in some areas too). You can get a CB radio at radio shack or many truck stops.Thanks for reading, I’m.Broken SecretsGet updates from: Sources:,Photo: (cc). Kim June 7, 2010 at 3:10 amMy husband has been an OTR Truck Driver for over 13 years.
Pennsylvania driver's examination. Blow your horn, steer left, and brake. Blow your horn, steer right, and brake. Stay in the center of your lane, blow your horn, and brake. Explanation ▾ If another vehicle is approaching you head-on in your lane, you should first honk your horn to attract attention.
He has told me about some of these signals. He always says that common courtesy on the roadways, (even between other truck drivers), is a thing of the past.
It would be great get this secret out. Also, even though a semi’s breaks are of course, larger than a standard vehicle, they need time and distance to slow their trucks down, especially when carrying a large load.
There are few things a driver can do when someone slams on the brakes in front of him or cuts him off, but to attempt to not kill anyone. Be safe out there everyone:). Baloouriza November 15, 2014 at 4:36 pmDepends on the region. I noticed people are much more aware of these signals here in the southern plains states (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas) and they’re routinely used (even clearance flashing for vehicles for four-wheelers that clearly can’t see out their back window because they’re towing or trying to move with just one trip in the car). Get out west? You’re pretty much screwed if you don’t have a CB (though I used to guide truckers through Portland in the best possible lane because I knew they’d hold an even speed and if I was going the same way, could guide them through which helped me not get crowded while trying to hold an even speed in a manual).
Avoiding a head-on crashIt is always better to hit a stationary object than an object coming towards you at an equivalent speed to you. If you anticipate this scenario early enough then you should (with a modern car that has antilock brakes and other electronic aids) be able to apply full braking power while steering where you want to go.Try not to get - this is where you look at the place that you don't want to go, but end up steering into it.