
#Hand signals driving drivers#
When To Use Hand SignalsĮvery state requires drivers to signal their intentions to other road users. But while it may have been seen before, legally, it's the driver's responsibility to make each hand signal. If you have a passenger with you, asking your passenger to signal a right turn for you may be tempting. The right-hand turn signal is universally recognized and alerts drivers of a turn or lane change. Maintain this position until you have safely completed the right turn. With your left arm extended out of the window, bend at the elbow, and raise the hand up with your palm forward. Therefore, prepare to signal for a right turn before changing lanes.
#Hand signals driving driver#
Since a driver can not change their seat position, a right turn requires using the driver's left arm instead of their right arm. Therefore, it's imperative to keep your arm in the left turn position until the turn is complete to ensure all drivers in the lanes you are leaving and joining know your intention and that you also have a signaling malfunction. Keep your right hand on your steering wheel, hold the left arm position until completing your left turn safely, and retract your arm back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that drivers will think you are slowing or coming to a stop if you do not maintain the proper hand position. Extend your left arm straight out of your left side window, palm facing forward. If your signal lights have stopped operating correctly, the left turn hand signal should be used before changing lanes to the left or turning left. In addition, drivers need to begin signaling they are slowing down or stopping if using hand signals in advance of them performing the stop, providing other road users ample time to respond. If stopping in an emergency, search for the safest location to stop to avoid any potential collisions.ĭue to tailgating and rear-end accidents, warning other drivers of your vehicle's movements can prevent you and others from becoming injured. Keep your arm in this position, visible to other drivers behind you, until you have safely come to a complete stop. This hand signal is a universal sign of slowing down your vehicle. So, extend your left arm from the driver's window, pointing your arm downward, with your fingers extended and palm facing rearward.

In that case, you can safely indicate to other drivers your intent to slow down or stop using the following steps. Suppose you are in an unfortunate situation where your brake light has malfunctioned or stopped working. Understanding essential hand signals and what each sign means helps maintain the safety of all divers on the road.

In that case, hand signals provide a way to communicate safely with other drivers about your intention of changing lanes or slowing down.ĭepending on your DMV-appointed driving test instructor, and state laws, you may also be required to recall hand signals on your road test to achieve your driver's license. Suppose your vehicle's turn signals have stopped operating correctly or a brake light goes out. While hand signals are not typically used while driving, aside from the occasional road rage incident, there are situations where utilizing hand signs may become imperative. Whether it be a sweep of the hand as you offer an "After you," an "I do not know" shrug accompanied by skyward palms, or simple thumbs up in approval, we use hand signals daily. Hand signals are utilized throughout our daily lives to communicate non-verbally.
