If A Trucker Has Ever Honked At You, This Could Be Why

It's probably safe to wager that not many people enjoy getting honked at. Operating a massive hunk of moving metal and trying to avoid a deadly car crash is stressful enough without another driver laying on their horn, especially if it's the blaring horn of a semi-truck. However, before you start shaking your fist and cursing at the truck driver whose horn so ruthlessly alarmed you, consider that there's likely a good reason they honked at you.

You might not know it, but truck drivers have their own language, using visual cues and sounds to communicate with other drivers on the road. Even the most seemingly innocuous things have meaning, like when a trucker flashes their lights twice, which actually indicates a speed trap ahead and could save you a hefty ticket. When it comes to honking, understanding its meaning could save you from more than a traffic violation. It could potentially save your life.

Utilized since the early days of the trucking industry, honking is a universally recognized form of communication amongst truck drivers, helping them convey important messages on the road. If you hear a semi-truck's horn, pay attention to the number and the length of honks, as each component is significant in translating the trucker's message.

If you hear a single short horn blast, you have nothing to worry about. A short and sweet toot of the horn typically translates to a "hello" to a fellow trucker on the road. However, if you hear two short horn blasts, the trucker isn't just saying "hello" but is letting you know they're nearby — usually in the context of passing, merging, or switching lanes. If you're kind enough to share the road, the trucker may thank you with a quick succession of horn blasts, which is used as a sign of gratitude.

You may remember another positive interaction between truckers and car drivers if you endured long family road trips as a child. Maybe you entertained yourself by playfully signaling to truck drivers to honk their horns while passing by. According to an article published by Fox 61, the childhood tradition known as the "trucker salute" is becoming more of a rarity these days. but is often a gesture met with enthusiasm by truck drivers pushing through long, monotonous days on the road. Since you don't have to be a kid to use the "trucker salute," why not have a little fun and encourage a friendly horn blare the next time you're sharing a long stretch of highway with a semi-truck? 

It's not all fun and games on the road, though. While a less commanding honk doesn't necessarily require attention or immediate action, a louder and longer honk carries a more critical message. A blog post on Boss Horn says a singular loud horn blast is a warning of potential danger, such as an accident or a hazardous obstacle on the road. The post also recommends paying close attention to a continuous horn blast, which is the least commonly used and indicates an emergency situation. In this case, the best thing to do is assess your surroundings immediately to figure out what the driver is trying to alert you about, and be ready to act quickly. 

If a semi-truck honks at you in any capacity, you shouldn't panic. However, you should know how to respond appropriately, and being able to quickly decipher the language amidst truckers makes it a whole lot easier. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) there were nearly 500,000 reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Only 1% of those were fatal, but 22% caused injuries, making it even more vital to be cognizant of emergency alerts. So, next time you're jolted into alarm or annoyance by a trucker blaring their horn on the highway, read between the honks with the knowledge that it just might save your life.