Motorists should be aware of a new insurance scam being dubbed “flash-for-cash”.
Anti-fraud experts have issued the warning about the scam whereby criminals flash their lights to allow other drivers out of a junction, only to then crash into them on purpose.
This scam appears to be the new ‘scam of choice’ for fraudsters following the previously preferred and much publicised “crash for cash” tactic in which criminals would slam on their brakes for no apparent reason, so that the victim drives into the back of their car.
Of course, these fraudsters are netting tens of thousands of pounds from their fraudulent efforts which in turn only serves to increase the insurance policy charges for all honest, law abiding motorists.
Fortunately, insurance providers soon exposed this tactic, but sadly as with any criminal activity, the criminals involved simply adapt and evolve to come up with an alternative means.
As stated in the Highway Code, flashing of headlights should only be used to inform other road users that you are there, and should not be used in an attempt to convey any other message or to intimidate. Furthermore, you should never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed.
Regardless of what the Highway Code states, to many motorists flashing of headlights appears to be a (wrongly) accepted means of doing exactly that. Many drivers think of it as an act of courtesy to flash their lights to allow another motorist to “go first”. As much as I like the sentiment of this, please do not flash your lights for other motorists and please do not assume that it is safe to proceed when someone flashes their lights at you.
My advice is simply this:
Should you find yourself in this position, before blindly proceeding you should do the following:
- Pause.
- Look, and assess the situation.
- Make your informed decision.
- If safe, then proceed with caution.
If in any doubt at all: WAIT.
As I tell all of my student drivers, there is only one person on the roads that you can trust: YOURSELF. (oh, and of course yours truly as I’m in the car with them!)
To read the full article, click the link below:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23717575
https://www.facebook.com/drivingschoolssunderland/posts/613064515400917
Stay safe folks!
Chris