Flashing High Beams: A Controversial Act to Warn About Speed Traps

The Need for Speed Control

Many individuals believe that drivers who are speeding or driving recklessly deserve to be ticketed and should not flash their high beams to warn oncoming traffic about speed traps. However, there is a growing debate surrounding this issue, with some arguing that warning others about speed traps is a necessary act to ensure fairness and safety on the roads.

In a Reddit post, one user shares their observation of white BMWs and black GMC pickups driving well above the speed limit, endangering others on the road. This highlights the need for effective speed control measures to prevent such reckless behavior.

Speeding in School Zones

Another user in the discussion mentions the prevalence of speeding in school zones. Despite the posted speed limit of 30km/h, drivers often exceed this limit, reaching speeds of 60-80km/h during school hours. This poses a significant risk to the safety of children and pedestrians in these areas.

The decision to flash high beams to warn oncoming traffic about speed traps depends on the location. While some drivers may choose to warn others on highways or back roads, they may refrain from doing so in town or school zones where the risk to pedestrians is higher.

Distinguishing Speeding from Dangerous Driving

It is important to distinguish between speeding and dangerous driving. Some individuals argue that going 130km/h on the highway is acceptable, given the flow of traffic, but going 70km/h in a school zone is not. This perspective highlights the need for context-specific speed limits and enforcement measures.

One user strongly supports flashing high beams to warn oncoming traffic and expresses frustration towards the police for setting speed traps. They believe that law enforcement should focus more on dangerous driving behaviors rather than minor speeding offenses.

Personal Experiences and Frustrations

Sharing a personal experience, another user recalls being pulled over on a bike after waving at cars to slow down. Despite being on a bike, the officer asked for a driver's license, raising questions about the fairness of ticketing in certain situations. This incident took place in the late '90s in Murfreesboro, TN.

Another user mentions a speed trap on a side road where tickets were given for going as little as 3mph over the speed limit. The frequency of this speed trap has made many drivers familiar with its presence, leading them to flash their high beams to warn others.

Questioning Police Priorities

Flashing high beams is often seen as a way to express discontent with police officers who prioritize minor speeding offenses over more significant safety issues. Some individuals question whether police officers are truly protecting the community when accidents occur daily in nearby intersections.

Furthermore, flashing high beams is viewed as a way to counteract the presence of speed traps and potentially reduce the number of tickets given. However, opinions on this matter vary, with some drivers choosing not to warn others about speed traps as a form of punishment for those who are driving recklessly or speeding.

Conclusion

The issue of flashing high beams to warn about speed traps is a contentious one. While some argue that drivers who are speeding or driving recklessly deserve to face the consequences, others believe that warning others about speed traps is necessary to ensure fairness and safety on the roads. Ultimately, the effectiveness of speed traps and the priorities of law enforcement in addressing road safety continue to be subjects of debate.