Top 5 Hand Signals You Need to Use While Driving

By Amir

Top 5 Hand Signals You Need to Use While Driving

From indicating turns to signaling stops, these hand signals are essential for safe driving, especially when your blinkers fail. Learn the origins, expert tips, and the five crucial hand signals every driver should know.

Table of Contents

What Are the 5 Hand Signals for Driving a Car?
- Where Did Hand Signals for Driving Originate?
The 5 Essential Hand Signals for Driving a Car
Tips for Correct Hand Signaling
When Should You Use Hand Signals?
Understanding the Three Primary Hand Signals
Are Hand Signals Still Used in Modern Cars?
Preferred Situations for Hand Signals
Conclusion

Where Did Hand Signals for Driving Originate?

Before the invention of built-in blinkers, drivers used hand signals to indicate their intentions. In 1907, Percy Douglas Hamilton patented hand-like indicators, paving the way for devices like Traffickers and the flashway directional signal in 1939. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still mandates some hand signals for use when necessary.

The 5 Essential Hand Signals for Driving a Car

1. Right Turn Signal

To signal a right turn, extend your left arm out the window and point your hand upwards with the palm facing forward. Ensure your arm is clearly visible to other drivers before making your turn. An alternative, used mainly by cyclists, is to extend the right arm straight out, but this is more challenging for drivers.

2. Left Turn Signal

For a left turn, extend your left arm straight out the window. Make sure your arm is fully visible to others. Retract your arm once you start turning, just as your blinkers would turn off after completing the manoeuvre.

3. Stop or Slow Down Signal

If you need to stop or slow down and your signals aren't working, extend your left arm out the window and point it downward with the palm facing backwards. This universal sign indicates your intention to stop. Maintain this position until you come to a complete halt.

4. Apology Signal

Mistakes happen on the road, and an apology can be a courteous gesture. To apologize, hold up two fingers in a V shape. This signal can help de-escalate situations and show respect to other drivers.

5. Overtaking Signal

To signal a driver behind you to overtake, extend your right hand out the window with the palm facing forward. Wave forward and backward to indicate they can pass. Pull your hand back once they are close enough to overtake safely.

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Tips for Correct Hand Signaling

1. Use Clear Movements

Your hand movements should be obvious and straightforward. Keep your arm relaxed and your movements simple to ensure other drivers can understand your intentions.

2. Prioritize Safety

Always check your side and rearview mirrors before signaling to avoid collisions with cyclists or pedestrians. Avoid making last-minute decisions that could lead to accidents.

3. Signal Early

Like with electric signals, you should signal at least 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes. In some states, this distance is even longer. Signal in a timely manner to prevent confusion.

4. Avoid Hand Signals at Night

Hand signals are less visible at night, so ensure your car's lights are functioning properly. If you notice a faulty light, pull over and avoid using hand signals until it is repaired.

When Should You Use Hand Signals?

Hand signals are crucial when your car’s light signals fail. They help prevent accidents and rear-end collisions. New York, for instance, permits the use of hand signals when brake lights and turn signals are not working. Regular maintenance of your vehicle, including light checks, can help you avoid relying on hand signals.

Understanding the Three Primary Hand Signals

Left Turn Signal: Extend your left arm straight out of the driver's window.
Right Turn Signal: Extend your left arm with the elbow bent, pointing your hand upwards.
Stop Signal: Extend your arm downward with the palm facing backwards.

Are Hand Signals Still Used in Modern Cars?

While modern vehicles with functioning light signals reduce the need for hand signals, these signals remain legally required as a backup. They are vital for safety when light signals fail and in situations where visual communication is essential.

Preferred Situations for Hand Signals

Hand signals are often preferred in motorsports for communication between drivers and are mandatory when vehicle light signals are non-functional. Motorcyclists and drivers with damaged signals also rely on hand signals.

Conclusion

Knowing hand signals is essential for safe driving, especially when your vehicle’s blinkers fail. Regular vehicle maintenance, including light checks, can help you avoid unexpected reliance on hand signals. At Drive Rite Academy, our instructors ensure you master these crucial skills. Enroll in our driving lessons to become a confident and safe driver.

When taking your driving lessons at Drive Rite Academy, our friendly instructors will ensure you learn the essential hand signals. Please hurry up and check in for lessons at our Academy.

About Drive Rite Academy: Drive Rite Academy stands out as a premier driving school in New York, offering comprehensive driver education. We provide the NY DMV-required 5 hour course to help students prepare for their road test, along with tailored lessons for nervous drivers. Our supportive instructors are dedicated to making every student feel safe and confident as they build their driving skills.

Top 5 Hand Signals You Need to Use While Driving