Flash, Honk and Wave: How We Do (or Don’t) Understand Each Other in Traffic

When we sit behind the wheel, we all become actors in a kind of road theatre. No dialogue, no applause — just lights, sounds and gestures. Communication on the road happens every second, and that silent language can be gentle, funny, touching, or — let’s put it mildly — tense.

Every car carries a driver with their own mood, habits and interpretation of etiquette. No two drivers are the same, just like no two people see the rules in the same way.

The Dictionary of Traffic Mimicry

Drivers around the world mostly understand the basics of road “speech”:

A quick flash of high beams? “Go ahead!” — a polite gesture which, in some countries, earns a smile, in others is taken for granted, and in ours often translates to “police around the corner.”

A long flash? “Move out of my lane!” — usually reserved for highways and drivers with excess confidence but limited patience.

A short honk? “It’s green, my friend.” — a gentle reminder that the light has changed.

A long honk? “You clearly left your license at home, didn’t you?” — an emotional outburst in 102 decibels.

A raised hand? “Thank you, kind soul.” — the elegant wave of road courtesy.

The middle finger? The international symbol of frustration. Not recommended.

With zero words spoken, we negotiate, argue, reconcile and thank each other — sometimes all within five seconds.

Culture on Wheels

Road communication depends heavily on geography:

United Kingdom: Drivers wave from their mirrors, honking is rare, and etiquette is sacred. Politeness always in the fast lane.

Italy: The horn is a communication tool, an emotional outlet, and sometimes an art form. In Naples, silence doesn’t exist between traffic lights.

Germany & Austria: Everything by the rules. No exceptions, no improvisation. Functional, predictable communication.

The Balkans: Creative chaos. Hazard lights mean everything — “thanks”, “careful”, “wait for me.” Flashing at oncoming traffic about police? Road solidarity in action.

The Quiet Heroes

Pedestrians

They communicate with their eyes. On a crosswalk, a silent drama unfolds: “You first? Me first?” One small look can mean more than a traffic sign. And when a pedestrian waves in gratitude, a driver’s day instantly improves.

Cyclists

Their hands are their indicators. A stretched arm left or right is their way of saying, “I’m turning now, pay attention.” But they often float in a traffic vacuum — neither cars nor pedestrians. Clear signals are what keep them safe.

Motorcyclists

A story of their own. Fast riders, but often incredibly precise. To say thanks, they lift a hand — sometimes even a foot. Their message is often just the sound of the engine: “I’m here!”But the real signature of motorcyclists is solidarity.

On open roads, they greet each other with two fingers — a sign of respect. Spot a police patrol? A tap on the helmet is the warning. See a rider on the roadside? Another will almost certainly stop — to help, lend a tool, or offer support. Road nobility on two wheels.

The New Threat to Balance: E-Scooters

Just when we thought we’d seen it all — electric scooters arrived. Small, fast and nearly silent, sometimes behaving as if traffic laws don’t apply to them. Sidewalks, bike lanes, roads — wherever it suits them. No helmets, no signals, riding like it’s a video game.

Their communication? It’s basically: “Avoid me if you can.”

Many riders are careful and polite — but more and more of them are literally “carrying their heads in a bag.” And with their growing numbers, it’s time they shared some traffic responsibility — helmets, rules and at least minimal etiquette included.

Conductors Without Batons

A traffic officer at an intersection is a maestro. Arm outstretched? Stop. A sweep forward? Go. A pointed gesture? You — to the side.

Their signals override everything — traffic lights, signs, even logic. Their communication also includes campaigns, warnings and, of course, fines. LED gloves and glowing batons help, but nothing beats the classic whistle — the sound that reminds you you’ve definitely forgotten something.

When Communication Turns Comedy (or Tragedy)

The best moments in traffic are when communication works: A driver lets you pass, a cyclist waves thanks, a pedestrian smiles, a motorcyclist greets you. That’s when traffic feels less like stress and more like choreography.

But when communication fails — welcome to road cabaret: Drivers who don’t use indicators, honk for no reason, flash angrily, tailgate like they’re filming an action movie. These moments escalate into road rage — verbal and physical conflicts that are sadly on the rise.

Fines and Lessons

Excessive honking: €30Aggressive flashing: €260

Reckless driving: up to 60 days in jail

Politeness, indicators and a smile: free — and priceless

Croatia is running more campaigns for safer, kinder communication. Some European countries even include “empathy tests” in driving exams. Because road culture isn’t just about knowing signs — it’s about understanding people.

The Road — a Place of Agreement

A road isn’t an arena. It’s a shared space where we’re all trying to arrive on time, with no scratches — on the car or on our nerves. Every indicator, glance and wave changes that shared choreography.

So when you flash — let it mean consideration. When someone waves — wave back.When you see a scooter, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian — remember they’re part of the same story. And if we all keep communicating, maybe one day we’ll drive through cities where honking isn’t anger — it’s a greeting.

May your journey bring fewer reasons to hit the horn, and more reasons to smile.