From: Adrian on
The Peeler <peelingthe(a)invalid.admin> gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying:

>>> Do you know anyone who flashes headlights for any other reason when
>>> facing an oncoming car?

>>Narrow back lane, the other vehicle has paused in a passing space to let
>>you through. As you approach 'em, a quick flash to say thanks.

> Narrow back lanes? Saying thanks??? What century are you living in?

We're not all clueless townies, y'know. My commute is mainly back lanes.
From: Mortimer on
"Adrian" <toomany2cvs(a)gmail.com> wrote in message
news:8a8cl3Fes0U11(a)mid.individual.net...
> The Peeler <peelingthe(a)invalid.admin> gurgled happily, sounding much like
> they were saying:
>
>>>> Do you know anyone who flashes headlights for any other reason when
>>>> facing an oncoming car?
>
>>>Narrow back lane, the other vehicle has paused in a passing space to let
>>>you through. As you approach 'em, a quick flash to say thanks.
>
>> Narrow back lanes? Saying thanks??? What century are you living in?
>
> We're not all clueless townies, y'know. My commute is mainly back lanes.

I don't think The Peeler was taking issue with the fact that you were using
narrow back lanes. He was surprised that you flashed your headlamps to say
thanks rather than raising your hand as you were about to pass, in the more
normal courtesy signal.

Given that most people (rightly or wrongly) now interpret a quick flash of
the headlights as an invitation to proceed, I'd be very cautious about using
it for any other purpose. A long flash (several seconds) in conjunction with
the horn for the same length of time, on the other hand, is "I'm here - you
evidently haven't noticed me and are about to collide with me" (though
usually expressed less politely than that!)

We really *do* need a proper "invitation to proceed" signal which is
distinct from the visible horn signal.

From: Adrian on
"Mortimer" <me(a)privacy.net> gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
saying:

>>>>> Do you know anyone who flashes headlights for any other reason when
>>>>> facing an oncoming car?

>>>>Narrow back lane, the other vehicle has paused in a passing space to
>>>>let you through. As you approach 'em, a quick flash to say thanks.

>>> Narrow back lanes? Saying thanks??? What century are you living in?

>> We're not all clueless townies, y'know. My commute is mainly back
>> lanes.

> I don't think The Peeler was taking issue with the fact that you were
> using narrow back lanes.

I am less sure.

> He was surprised that you flashed your headlamps to say thanks rather
> than raising your hand as you were about to pass, in the more normal
> courtesy signal.

Great in daylight. Less than effective in the dark.

> Given that most people (rightly or wrongly) now interpret a quick flash
> of the headlights as an invitation to proceed, I'd be very cautious
> about using it for any other purpose.

Considering they physically CAN'T proceed after my flash - since my car
is still blocking the lane - in the situation I describe, it's a moot
point.
From: The Peeler on
On 15 Jul 2010 12:18:43 GMT, Adrian <toomany2cvs(a)gmail.com> wrote:

>The Peeler <peelingthe(a)invalid.admin> gurgled happily, sounding much like
>they were saying:
>
>>>> Do you know anyone who flashes headlights for any other reason when
>>>> facing an oncoming car?
>
>>>Narrow back lane, the other vehicle has paused in a passing space to let
>>>you through. As you approach 'em, a quick flash to say thanks.
>
>> Narrow back lanes? Saying thanks??? What century are you living in?
>
>We're not all clueless townies, y'know. My commute is mainly back lanes.

Ah, a clueless hick.
From: Adrian on
The Peeler <peelingthe(a)invalid.admin> gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying:

>>>>> Do you know anyone who flashes headlights for any other reason when
>>>>> facing an oncoming car?

>>>>Narrow back lane, the other vehicle has paused in a passing space to
>>>>let you through. As you approach 'em, a quick flash to say thanks.

>>> Narrow back lanes? Saying thanks??? What century are you living in?

>>We're not all clueless townies, y'know. My commute is mainly back lanes.

> Ah, a clueless hick.

Yeh, that'll be it. Way out in hicksville with a five minute walk to a
tube station from home.