Decoding Highway Communication: What It Means When a Truck Flashes Its Lights After You Overtake

checking the road yourself.

A Courtesy Signal on the Highway

Large trucks take up more road space than passenger cars and have blind spots around the cab and trailer. From a car, it can be difficult to judge exactly when you have passed far enough to return to the lane.

In some driving communities, truck drivers briefly flash their headlights to indicate that the overtaking vehicle appears to be clear. It is a practical courtesy that can help reduce uncertainty during a pass. However, not every driver uses the signal,