A flash of the headlights, toot of the horn or even a tap of the hazards buttons, they’re all ways to communicate with your fellow motorists on the road.
However, without using words, it can be somewhat challenging to convey exactly what you need to do in unison with other drivers – this is where social norms and traditions come into play.
But what you think might be a flash of the lights to warn others of a hazard, or a beep to say thank you, might mean something else to others.
Continental Tyres Australia recently conducted a study that surveyed 2000 motorists from each driving-age generation to determine if we could communicate via signals only, and the results were alarming.
For starters, only 56 per cent of drivers are expressive on the road, using hand signals, polite horn honks, flashing lights, or even pointing while driving.
Furthermore, motorists were divided on what a flash of the headlights means. For most Australians, flashing the headlights is a national code to warn motorists of a police officer or speed camera; yet, only 67 respondents understood it in this context.
Besides the two-thirds that understood it as that, 13 per cent said it was to warn others that their lights are off, 9 per cent said it was primarily to tell people to “go ahead”, 5 per cent said they weren’t sure, and the other six per cent had other ideas.
On the flip side, 60 per cent of drivers voted that to say “thank you” to others on the road they would’ve wave in the mirror, 18 per cent said they’d wave out the window, 12 per cent said they'd alternate their indicators, 6 per cent said they'd flash their hazards, and four per cent said they don’t thank other drivers.
Yet, only 42 per cent said that other drivers thanked them for letting them merge sometimes, and 23 per cent said “rarely” or “never”.
To make the process more straightforward, Continental Tyres Australia has created a simple dictionary to enhance the seamless experience.
Mitchell Golledge, Managing Director of Continental Tyres Australia, says the research shows that while most people are trying to be courteous, the lack of a shared road language is creating confusion and putting Australians at risk on the road.
“There’s clearly a lot of goodwill on the road, but we’re not always speaking the same language,” Golledge said.
“The Continental Code of the Road Dictionary is about bringing some clarity to the small moments behind the wheel that can actually make a big difference.”
“At the end of the day, it’s all about helping Aussies drive with a bit more clarity and care,” Golledge adds. “If we can make the road a little safer and a little less frustrating, then that’s a win for everyone.”
Head here to check out the dictionary and learn the language of the road.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
