#DRIVING ARM SIGNALS DRIVERS#

#DRIVING ARM SIGNALS DRIVERS#

This is important because you need to give the driver more time to notice the signal.Įven the most clearly communicated hand signal is more subtle on the road than your signal lights, so it’s important to help other drivers have the best possible opportunity to see and respond to your signal. Try to use this hand signal earlier than you would start braking and hold it the whole time you’re braking if you’re able to.

In the other, hold the same position, but make a fist instead of opening your hand.īoth versions are equally valid, and usually equally well understood. There are two variations on this signal – in one you’ll open your left hand so that the palm of your hand is facing the driver behind you. The stopping signal is sticking your left hand out of the car window and pointing it down toward the pavement. But using a stopping hand signal is better than nothing. Since brake lights are a critical safety feature on your car, you shouldn’t drive without them very much. This hand signal is usually the most important and can be used to help signal other drivers if your brake lights go out suddenly. There are three basic hand signals you need to know, and they’re the only ones you’re likely to see on the road.įor practical reasons, turning signals are also used for lane changes, just like signal lights.Īll three signals are done with your left hand out the window. There are other driver hand signals, but chances are you won’t need them, and other drivers won’t know them if you do need them. We’re going to focus on the most basic and most important hand signals in this article. What Driver Hands Signals Should You Know? You can use driver hand signals in addition to your signal lights, but you don’t need to, and it can confuse other drivers. If your signal lights are working, you should use them. They’re most common for motorcyclists and cyclists on the road, so other drivers might not even notice a hand signal from a car or truck in front of them. Signal lights are legally required, tend to be a lot more effective, and are widely understood by everyone on the road.Ī good percentage of drivers understand driver hand signals, but not all of them do.

No, driver hand signals should not be used instead of your signal lights. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars.Īre Driver Hand Signals As Good As Using Your Signal Lights? Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. You don’t need a passenger to help, but they can make some of the lesser-known signals a little more obvious.

Proper hand signals can only be made by the driver, though some people do ask passengers to signal out the other side in some situations.Īs a note, you can signal everything you need by yourself. You’ll need to push your hand through the window of the driver’s side to make them. Let’s get started! What Are Driving Hand Signals?īefore we get into the details, it’s important to make sure you know what we’re talking about.ĭriver hand signals are signs you can make with your hand and forearm out the side. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hand signals, including which hand signals are most important, when you should use them, and when it’s not safe to use them. Hand signals can even be incredibly useful when your signal lights are out, but you need to drive to get a repair, or in other emergencies. Motorcyclists often use hand signals in addition to the lights on their vehicles, but you can use them as a car or truck driver, too. Driving hand signals might not be that common, but they can be important for your safety, and the safety of everyone else on the road.

Driving arm signals