Dear Sir,
I have noticed many drivers flash their headlights for the wrong reasons, for example; to acknowledge friends, thank other drivers, and more dangerously; for example to signal other drivers in or out of junctions, or pedestrians to cross the road.
A flash of the headlights is actually supposed to be used as a warning (visual horn), when the sounding of the horn would be inappropriate, as stated in Highway Code R110: Flashing headlights.
Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
Drivers also use vehicle horns incorrectly and at the wrong time of day. Again they are being used to acknowledge friends or get their attention.
Highway Code R92: The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and when you need to warn other road users of your presence.
Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn, while stationary on the road or when driving in a built up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.00am, except when another vehicle poses a danger.
I hope the drivers of Newton Aycliffe will now consider these rules, before using their horns and flashing their headlights in future and to consider the consequence of their actions.
Alan Hindmarch
