Malaysian motorists share experiences using hazard lights as a small “thank you” gesture while driving

DO you remember blinking your hazard lights twice on the road as a “thank you” to a fellow motorist who showed courtesy while driving?

In a Threads post, user @rafmargiana.ii said he had recently noticed himself making the small gesture more often.

“Tiny gesture. Huge difference. It somehow makes the road feel much kinder and more mature.

“Drivers who are reckless like that still exist, of course. But I hope that group is slowly dwindling,” he wrote.

Another user said he is now among those who blink their hazard lights as a sign of thanks.

“Even if sometimes I cut into a lane a bit like an ‘extra’ idiot, but nothing too much. I didn’t use them at all before because of my ego. Now age is catching up and life has humbled me in many ways,” he said.

A user named Aisha shared a less pleasant experience. She said she blinked her hazard lights to signal a lorry in front to move over, but the response surprised her.

“No, dear, he flashed his high beam back, nearly blinding me,” she said.

Another user said the gesture was appreciated, but it would be better if drivers cut into lanes more safely.

“I had one cut into my lane so abruptly that I spewed foul words, but then he or she gave blinking hazard lights as a thank you. Very mixed feelings,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alex described himself as “old school”, saying he usually raises his hand to thank another motorist instead — a gesture that carries a similar meaning.

Aiman said the practice of blinking hazard lights as a sign of thanks is more common in Kuala Lumpur.

“When you’re in Penang or Johor Bahru, everyone seems panicked about giving way, even though the gap is just about one car length. I’ve even been honked at before.

“Usually we’re not trying to cut the queue anyway, but if you’re an outsider, routes with lane changes, roundabouts and flyover U-turns can be confusing on maps.

“Still, it feels quite humiliating when someone honks and then speeds up to pressure you,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia