Ask the officer Ask the officer (January 14, 2004)

Menlo Park police officer Glenn J. Raggio answers questions about the police and law enforcement. Call 330-6396, or e-mail: asktheofficer@menlopark.org.

Q. I have been told not to flash my lights when I see someone driving without lights on or approaching me with brights on. Why not?

A. Flashing your lights is a courtesy that somehow has gone afoul. Road-rage incidents have developed from simple courtesies such as the one you have described, which is probably why you've been advised not to flash your lights. There is simply no explanation or response I can offer that would help explain the phenomenon. I think it should appear on page one of every DMV test booklet: Definition of a courtesy!

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