[Raymeander]

I been driving in HK about a year now and there's something im still not sure about. When changing lanes the driver who im pulling out infront of flashes his lights, what does this mean?
i know in other countries this would mean go ahead i let you in, but on some occasions they dont seem to slow down - does it mean watch out im not going to let you in?

[clarence_kwan_h]

most of the cases in HK, flash headlights means - WARNING!!

drivers use it as a SLIENT HORN

[Master]

Originally Posted by Raymeander

.... on some occasions they dont seem to slow down - does it mean watch out im not going to let you in?

That's how I interpret it. I see taxi drivers do that often, and they're definitely not intending to let anyone in front.

It's safer to assume anyway.

[CraigAlexander]

Ray - I'm very impressed that you drive here. I wouldn't dare!

[PDLM]

I've seen it mean both things here, so it isn't really very helpful... It's a fair assumption though that if a taxi or minibus flashes its lights they don't want you to do what you are signalling (or they didn't like what you just did).

[wtbhotia]

just turn on the indicator then when u see space just stick your head in front of them and ignore they flash lights or not, especially the taxi's or minibuses. They hate having someone change lanes in front of them but when they do it, they don't give a F@#K.

flashing lights can mean as a Warning or signal to let u in, always assume its a warning unless u see hand signals waving you in. If u see middle fingers sticking out at you, give it back to them. I love squeezing taxis or minibuses with my raised up Land crusier. it so much fun.

[wtbhotia]

The worst is when going through roundabouts, most locals really dont know how to use a roundabout or that you should signal the directions that you want to go and change lanes to exist the roundabout on the outside lane, most just try to exist by cutting people off, i love it when they try to do this, i just accelarate and try to block them off, give them evil stares and if they say anything, give them the bird signal or flick my cig at them.

[ontheroad]

Originally Posted by wtbhotia

or flick my cig at them.

That's really lovely, especially for the environment!

[Skyhook]

I concur with others that flashing headlights can mean one of two things, either its a warning that they are not going to let you in, or they will let you in. It can be a little confusing, but generally its best to see if you have eye contact with the driver of the other car and the usual can you let me in hand motions, and waving thank you just in front of your rear vision mirror, after you have been let in..

I find driving in Hong Kong actually very easy, and surprizingly predictable in how most drivers behave. A lot more predictable, than in Australia-New Zealand, minus the road rage, aggressive tail gateing etc. The only pet peeve I have is that 50% of road users here use indicators to display an intenton to change lanes, often not leaving a safe enough distance between cars as they change lanes between cars, the gaps are too close. Also speeding public/private charter coaches and 8 tonne plus trucks drive far too quickly considering the narrow roads, complete lack of run off area's for them should they get into trouble.

But overall, I find driving in HK quiet easy and fuss free and unless i happen to use the Cross Harbour Tunnel, never get stuck in traffic jams.

PS: i tend to agree that Roundabouts do increase the chances of an accident 10 fold, I always double check to see what the car beside me intends to do by either dropping back allowing them to get in front, if you don't YOU WILL end up having a collision, so its best to anticipate that they will rush through it selfishly. Knowing all of that, you shouldnt have any problems.

Never had an accident in all the years we have lived here, but I also follow a modus operandi here, I'd rather be 5 minutes late, than DEAD on time....

[wtbhotia]

Originally Posted by ontheroad

That's really lovely, especially for the environment!

dont do it all the time, just a few times at taxi's. i usually keep my cig butts in the ashtray, if u went and checked the cars in HK driven by smokers, i bet that most ashtrays have never been used as they always just fling it out afterwards. i at least try by collecting it up then taking the ashtray to the rubbish bin.