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And when to use them.
By Rich Ceppos
We use hand signals in our daily lives so often, we don't even notice it. "After you," you might signal with a sweep of your hand to someone who reaches a store's entrance just as you do. "I don't know," you might shrug while raising your palms skyward when asked a question. In the library of useful hand gestures, there are three you need to know to be a well-rounded driver, because you may have to use them one day behind the wheel. And no, none of them are intended to communicate to another driver that "you're number one!"
Say your vehicle's turn signals have stopped working or your brake lights are out. Traffic has come to a stop suddenly in front of you, and you need to slow down right now. What should you do? Besides squeezing the brake pedal with determination, you should alert drivers behind you that you're slowing down and coming to a stop, so they're prepared and can take appropriate action as well. But how do you do that? Here are the three most important driver hand signals.
I'm Stopping
Extend your left arm out the driver's window and point your arm down with your fingers extended and your palm facing rearward. This is the universally accepted sign that you're decelerating, and other drivers understand it intuitively. Keep your arm in this position at least until you come to a full stop. Even better, before you pull your arm back in, check your mirrors to confirm that cars behind you have seen this signal and are slowing down.
I Want to Turn Left
Extend your left arm straight out the window, palm forward. You can also point the fingers of your left hand to the left if that's what comes naturally to you. It's best to retract your arm only after you begin to make a safe turn. After all, your turn signals don't shut off until you're done turning.
For right turns, extend your left arm out the driver's window with your elbow bent and point your hand to the sky with your palm facing forward. Again, it's best to keep your arm in this position until you begin your right turn, just as you would leave your turn signals on as you started the turn.
Finally, if you're a bicycle rider, these are the same hand signals you should use to let car and truck traffic know your intentions. Use them when you're on two wheels as well as four and you'll stay safe.
Rich Ceppos has evaluated automobiles and automotive technology during a career that has encompassed 10 years at General Motors, two stints at Car and Driver totaling 20 years, and thousands of miles logged in racing cars. He was in music school when he realized what he really wanted to do in life and, somehow, it's worked out. In between his two C/D postings he served as executive editor of Automobile Magazine; was an executive vice president at Campbell Marketing & Communications; worked in GM's product-development area; and became publisher of Autoweek. He has raced continuously since college, held SCCA and IMSA pro racing licenses, and has competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He currently ministers to a 1999 Miata, and he appreciates that none of his younger colleagues have yet uttered "Okay, Boomer" when he tells one of his stories about the crazy old days at C/D.
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Potentially the most important driving hand signal, an arm out of the window with the forearm pointed down and palm facing backward, signals that you're slowing and/or stopping. If your brake lights aren't functional, this is much better than nothing.
Users would hold up 4 fingers to the camera, tuck their thumb in, and then fold their fingers over their thumb. This is used as a sign to show that they are in a dangerous or unsafe situation and need help getting out. In fact, this hand signal was used to save a 16-year-old from a kidnapping in Kentucky in 2021.
LLLC stands for look ahead, look around, leave room, and communicate. These four principles encompass all safe driving techniques, and best of all, these safe driving tips are easy to memorize and teach.
For right turns, extend your left arm out the driver's window with your elbow bent and point your hand to the sky with your palm facing forward. Again, it's best to keep your arm in this position until you begin your right turn, just as you would leave your turn signals on as you started the turn.
Hand signals must be given from the left side of your vehicle - the driver puts their left arm out the drivers side window. To signal turning left stick your left arm out the window while holding it straight out. To signal turning right stick your left arm out the window and bend it up pointing to the sky.
It's important to flip on your turn signal before applying your vehicle's brakes. This lets drivers behind you know why you are braking so that they can slow down behind you with enough room to stop, if necessary.
The most obvious signal that we're sure you're familiar with is the use of indicators. Used by drivers to tell other road users when they intend to change direction or position on the road, they're probably one of the most important tools at the disposal of drivers.
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Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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