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D_E_Bishop's avatar
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
May 05, 2014

Signaling truckers it's ok to change lanes

I signal truckers when they are clear to change lanes after passing me by using my headlight switch. I am thinking about installing a momentary ON switch to control a double pole relay in the headlight circuit. It is hard to reach down to the headlight switch and it was not made for high usage. I have a 12vdc relay with the contacts rated at 25 amps and the momentary switches are readably available.

Can anyone think of an easier way of doing what I want?

49 Replies

  • azdryheat wrote:
    I don't signal anything to truckers. If they are worth anything as a driver, they will know instinctively when it is safe to change lanes. Routinely they prove my point when they suddenly change lanes with very little room for error. Is it obvious that I have little regard for truckers?


    The actions of a few should not reflect upon the whole. You are going to encounter non-courteous drivers where ever you go...even rv'ers!

    Ron
  • They generally flash me over when clear so why would I not offer them the same courtesy? My coach, likes others have mentioned above, will flash the high beams even when driving without my lights on. However, I always drive with my lights on! This gives me additional visibility and it also allows me to use the ICC function on my turn signal to flash all lights as a thank you to those who have indicated I can change back again. I drive a lot of Interstate miles (the majority of my driving) so while I have no great love for the trucker I do offer them the respect they deserve. Just like there are bad RVers, there are bad truckers. I just don't blame them all for the actions of a few.
  • azdryheat wrote:
    I don't signal anything to truckers. If they are worth anything as a driver, they will know instinctively when it is safe to change lanes. Routinely they prove my point when they suddenly change lanes with very little room for error. Is it obvious that I have little regard for truckers?


    Sure, there are some good and some bad.

    I would challenge you to go just one day without using a product or item that was NOT delivered by a truck.
  • Pulling the turn signal control straight back on a Ford SuperDuty will flash the lights whether the headlights are on or not. At least it does in mine. I try to be courteous to them and realize they are trying to make a living and it is not the glamorous lifestyle the commercials try to make it out to be.
  • I don't signal anything to truckers. If they are worth anything as a driver, they will know instinctively when it is safe to change lanes. Routinely they prove my point when they suddenly change lanes with very little room for error. Is it obvious that I have little regard for truckers?
  • Bionic Man wrote:
    Flash your brights.


    X2. That's what I've always done in that situation.
  • Bionic Man wrote:
    Flash your brights.


    That's what we do.
    Leave your lights on and just flash 'em
    When someone signals you to change lanes say thanks by momentarily working your 4 way (emergency ) flashers.
    Good Luck, Mike
  • Although a nice courtesy....some trucking companies instruct their drivers not to signal. Reason- liability, in today's sue happy society many insurers are restricting actions that could lead to lawsuits.

    That being said, I just flash my high beams.