The first step is to signal, in this case with your basic hand signals. When making lane changes it is good to remember the anagram S-M-O-G. Give other road users as much warning as you can before making these changes in direction. Many states require signaling for five seconds prior to changing lanes or making a turn. It may be more difficult for other motorists to see you, so driving predictably, slowly, and according to local laws can help keep you safe.Īvoid slamming on the brakes and keep a safe following distance so that you will not have to make sudden stops. It is even more important to follow guidelines you may have learned in driving school when driving without brake lights or blinkers. If it is dark do not attempt to drive with hand signals, wait until it is light enough to drive safely or until your car lights have been repaired before driving. If other cars can not see you, the hand signals will not be able to alert your intentions. It is important to note that these signals are difficult to see at night and though they can take the place of your signal lights temporarily, they cannot replace your headlights or taillights. Cyclists should learn and use hand signals just as they would their turn signals to indicate changes in direction and slowing, changing lanes, or stopping when it is possible to do so safely. You may also need to know these signals in order to pass your driving test or permit test. If your brake lights or turn signals are temporarily inoperable, you may think there is no way to get your car home or to a repair shop, but if you know the correct hand signals you can continue to operate your vehicle to a safe place to repair these indicators. What to do if your Brake Lights or Turn Signals Stop Working? In some cases, cyclists and motorcyclists may use their right arm out straight to signal a right turn or lane change. Though this is difficult for other road users to see if you are changing lanes to the right, it is the accepted hand signal under most state laws. To make a lane change or signal your intention to turn, your left arm should be out the driver’s window.įor a left turn hand signal simply stick your arm out straight, and keep it parallel to the ground with your palm facing forward.įor the right turn hand signal, the elbow should be bent up at a 90-degree angle so that your fingers are toward the sky, your palm is forward, and your forearm is perpendicular to the ground. The signals used in the event of a blinker failure are just as easy to learn: Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use these signals as well, however, it can be difficult as they may need to have both hands on the handlebars to slow down. Letting other drivers know you are stopping can prevent rear-end collisions. For this signal, the driver’s left arm is extended out the window, with the elbow bent down, palm facing backward, and index finger towards the ground. The signal for slowing down or stopping should be used in the event of a brake light malfunction. There are three driving hand signals that you must know for most driver’s license written tests and road tests, so before you pull up to the DMV be sure to memorize all three of these arm signals.įor each of the driver's hand signals, the left arm of the driver is doing the signaling and is extended out of the driver’s window.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |