The Myth: Gang members drive around town with their headlights off, waiting for you to flash your lights at them to let them know they are off. As part of their initiation, they make a u-turn and then they turn on you. To become a part of the gang. they are required to shoot at your can and speed off.

The Facts: this is an old myth, at least 20 years old, which plays on people's fear of big cities and strangers. It's also a public safety issue. When you see someone with their lights off at night, you have the obligation flash them and let them know--it could save a life.  So go ahead and flash your lights if you see a car driving with the headlights off, it's the safe thing to do.

Here's one example of the phony e-mail:

DON'T FLASH HEADLIGHTS AT ANY CAR WITH NO LIGHTS ON!!

Police officers working with the DARE program have issued this Warning:

If you are driving after dark and see and on-coming car with no headlights on, DO NOT FLASH YOUR LIGHTS AT THEM!

This is a common 'Bloods' gang member 'initiation game', that goes like this:

The new gang member under initiation drives along with no headlights on, and the first car to flash their headlights at him is now his 'target'.
He is now required to turn around and chase that car, then shoot and kill every individual in the vehicle in order to complete his initiation requirements.

Police Departments across the nation are being warned.

The gang's intent is to have all the 'new bloods',nationtionwide, drive around on Friday and Saturday nights with their headlights off. In order to be accepted into the gang, they have to shoot and kill all individuals
in the first auto that does a 'courtesy' flash to warn them that their lights are off.

Make sure you share this information with all the drivers in
your family!

Please forward this message to all your friends and family members to inform them about this initiation ritual.

Christine Amigdalos
Receptionist
Cairns Chambers
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Department of Justice and Attorney-General