Dumb question - ICC switch

[therealvor]

Okay, I've got an ICC switch next to my engine break switch ... anyone use theirs and if so, when?

My brother, an OTR driver said that trucking companies no longer use them - liability issues was the rationale he gave.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[JFXG]

Well, first of all, the Interstate Commerce Commission no longer exists, but the ICC name lives on in all these older vehicles with the switch labeled thus.

I use mine as it was intended-- to momentarily flash the marker and clearance lights as a thank you after another driver clears me back into the lane after a pass. I find a fair number of truckers will still do so.

[Dtwallace]

Originally Posted by JFXG

Well, first of all, the Interstate Commerce Commission no longer exists, but the ICC name lives on in all these older vehicles with the switch labeled thus.

I use mine as it was intended-- to momentarily flash the marker and clearance lights as a thank you after another driver clears me back into the lane after a pass. I find a fair number of truckers will still do so.

X2
The curtesy of the older trucker will never die, not completely anyway.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Dtwallace

X2
The curtesy of the older trucker will never die, not completely anyway.

We old timers try to teach the newbie drivers... but they seem to think that 3 weeks in a truckdriving school teaches them everything they will ever need to know..... sad state of affairs.... H's Bells I have nearly 50 years out on the highway and still consider myself a rookie

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

We old timers try to teach the newbie drivers... but they seem to think that 3 weeks in a truckdriving school teaches them everything they will ever need to know..... sad state of affairs.... H's Bells I have nearly 50 years out on the highway and still consider myself a rookie

It's very clear you are a professional.
I have passed other motor homes and have had the driver of the one I just passed flick their ICC lights when I have barely cleared their front bumper. I will not pull into the lane until I am ready. It seems like some other drivers are overly eager to show off their lights. I want a safe distance between me and the vehicle I just over took. You drive yours and I will drive mine.
Lynn

[soonerdave]

I read somewhere that due to liability? the switches were no longer installed and their use was illegal. I have always used mine as a polite way of saying Thank You for your courtesy in letting me know when it is safe to change lanes, what and where is there a danger in that? I am not a professional driver but have always believed in being a good driver and showing respect for the professionals who earn a living by driving!

[Murf2u]

Originally Posted by soonerdave

I read somewhere that due to liability? the switches were no longer installed and their use was illegal.


what and where is there a danger in that?

I doubt it's any liability issue, it is however illegal in a lot of places.

The rear lights are red, flashing red lights are restricted to Fire, Ambulance and LEO.

Unfortunately they can't word the law such that they're restricted to official use and 'courteous drivers' so it's a no-no.

Besides which, flicking the high beams for second is far more visible and can usually be seen even if the passing driver is not looking in the mirror directly, especially at night.

[mike brez]

So tapping your brakes a couple times would be illegal.

[twinboat]

Every light on the back of my MH and dolly are RED.

When I'm below the minimum posted speed limit, the signals are flashing.

Flashing BLUE lights are restricted.

[soonerdave]

What BS, what moron could possibly confuse momentarily turning the running lights on and off twice to say Thank You with flashing red lights!!! I flash my high beams after a large rig has passed to let them know it's safe to move back in my lane and they flash their lights twice to say thank you. Simple courtesy fosters safe driving should not be considered illegal!!! Again, I say BS! There are to damn many lawyers!

[Gary RVRoamer]

The liability issue is that you might signal to another driver that he is safely past you and then he has an accident of some sort. In today's litigious society, a lawsuit may well result. More likely so if the signal came from a commercial vehicle, where "deep pockets" makes them a target for a lawsuit.

I can't imagine the presence of an ICC switch (or similar momentary light flash switch) being illegal, nor the use of one being illegal. There are regs at the state level about the proper use of headlights, tail lights and marker lights, but I know of none that categorically prohibit courtesy flashes of those lights. However, it should be obvious that a driver should not flash high beams into the eyes of oncoming drivers. Being courteous has to take second place to being safe.

[SternHappens]

I don't know when all of this "ICC switch in older units" came about but we have a 2015 Georgetown that has one. Not convenient to hit so I normally will flick the highbeams as necessary.

[LETMGROW]

I don't flash or flick my lights to or for anyone. I don't know how experienced or familiar the other driver is with operating a larger vehicle. If they are new to the game I may confuse them and cause havoc while thinking I'm being a courteous driver. They may not have a clue why I am flashing my lights.
Pass them and use your mirrors for what they are intended for or be passed and be aware someone who passes you may pull back into line too quickly. Let them pass and blend back in. Be defensive and alert. You have enough to do without trying to drive someone else's vehicle for them at the same time you are driving yours.
"Drive safely and arrive alive"
Lynn

[530ktm]

If really necessary I flash highbeams a couple times to let the person passing know it is okay to move back into the lane. If I am passing and someone signals me I flash emergency flashers twice to thank them. Any other time I simply drive and pay attention to what is going on around me.