You Don't Know What Flashing Headlights Mean

Every driver seems to know that when an approaching car's driver flashes his high beams it means cop ahead.  That is true in many situations but certainly not the only reason the other drivers do it.  I live on a high mesa where there are a lot of animals, mainly deer and turkeys.  When I encounter animals in or near the roadway I flash the oncoming drivers of the danger, not only for the safety of the animals but also their safety.  Hitting a large animal at an advanced speed will certainly cause (heavy) damage to the car but also many times cause serious injury to the occupants of the car.  These are not the only reasons why drivers flash their high beams.  What about construction ahead; an accident blocking the roadway; an emergency vehicle partially in the roadway, such as a police vehicle that stopped to assist a motorist or give the driver a citation for a violation; rocks in the roadway in their lane in avalanche-prone areas, or any number of other hazardous obstacles.  No need to slam on your brakes sending your passengers through the windshield.  But certainly, let up on the accelerator (gas pedal) allowing the vehicle to slow down a bit and be ready to slow down further or stop if necessary.  If you're speeding, then, of course, hit the brakes and get back to the speed limit before you get to the spot where the cop is hiding behind the billboard.  Of course, as an LEO (retired) I never hid behind a billboard, but around a curve.