Did you know that driver’s hand signals are a commonly overlooked aspect of becoming a safer driver. While you may not need to use them frequently, but understanding how to use hand signals while driving can be helpful in various tricky situations on the road. Whether you are learning to drive or are an experienced motorist, knowing how to use the appropriate hand signal when driving is essential.
The Significance of Hand Signals For Driving
Before learning the different hand signals for driving in California, it is important to understand when and why you might need them. When driving in the State of California, Vehicle Code 22108 requires all drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.
Turn signals not only fulfill legal obligations but also allow you to communicate with other drivers by indicating your intended move, giving them time to react. Cyclists and other road users without turning or brake lights should always use hand signals for turning and indicating a stop.
Knowing these hand signals, along with having the proper safety equipment and a suitable vehicle, will help you stay safe on the road. Understanding hand signals for driving will allow you to communicate with other road users and interpret signals from other drivers effectively.
What are The Hand Signals for Driving?
There are three main dmv hand signals for driving that every driver should be familiar with- left turn, right turn, and slowing down/stopping.
1. Right Turn Hand Signal
Before making a right turn, extend your arm out of the window so it is visible to those behind you. Your palm should face forward, and your fingers should be together, with your arm fully horizontal.
2. Left Turn Hand Signal
To indicate a left turn, extend your right arm horizontally from the window with your forearm pointing towards the ground. Then, turn your forearm in an anticlockwise motion to signal your intent to turn left.
3. Stop Hand Signal
If you need to stop, extend your arm horizontally out of the window with your forearm pointing straight up. Keep your palm open and facing forward until you come to a stop.
4. Slow Hand Signal
To signal that you are slowing down, extend your hand out of the window with your palm facing the ground. Move your arm upward and then downward 3-4 times to indicate the need to slow down. Make sure to check for traffic behind you before signaling and give the drivers behind you sufficient time to react.
When Should You Use Hand Signals for Driving?
There are different situations where turning hand signals for driving can be particularly used. Some of these are: –
Unable to See the Car behind You
If you cannot see the car behind you in your rearview mirror, stick your arm out the window and point in the direction you are turning. This will let the driver know which way you are going.
Changing Lanes
If you are changing lanes, put your hand up in the air to signal that you are moving over. This will let other drivers know what you are doing and help them adjust accordingly.
Indicators, Brake Lights are Not Working
If you suspect that your brake lights or blinkers have failed or are intermittent, it is essential that you use hand signals. This may be the only way that other drivers on the road know that there is a problem or that your car may make sudden moves.
Thanking Someone
Sometimes, another driver will do something nice for you on the road – like letting you into their lane or giving you some space. If this happens, put your hand up to wave and say thank you. It is a nice gesture that could make someone’s day.
Effective Tips on Using Proper Hand Signal Techniques
Here are some tips you can follow on using proper hand signals for driving car: –
1. Use Correct Arm Movements
Distance and speed are important factors for communicating with others on the road. Therefore, you should make big, correct arm movements when signaling to those behind you. Extend your arm all the way out with your elbow out of the window frame.
2. Signal 150-200 Feet while Turning or Changing Lanes
Most state laws require the use of blinkers or hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. However, some states require signaling at least 200 feet before making a turn. Always check your state’s guidelines and laws before driving.
3. Focus on the Safety
Before extending your arm, check your rearview mirror and side mirror to avoid hitting anything. You don’t want to suffer a hand or arm injury while behind the wheel.
Avoid situations like making last-minute decisions or cutting over into different lanes. In instances like this, it is best to stay in the lane and turn around when appropriate or try another route.
4. Avoid Using Hand Signals at Night
You cannot rely on hand signals at night while driving a vehicle. Visibility at night is already extremely low, which accounts for 50% of all traffic deaths. So, if your blinkers or brake lights aren’t working, do everything you can to avoid driving at night until they have been repaired.
The only exception to using hand signals at night is if you are a cyclist. However, it is still dangerous. Make sure to wear reflective gear while riding a bicycle.
Conclusion- Hand Signals For Driving
Learning and using hand signals is crucial for safe driving, especially for beginners. Hand signals improve communication with other drivers and ensure road safety. If you want to learn these skills, then enroll in driving lessons with Click2Drive , a leading driving school in Santa Clarita. Our expert instructors will guide you through every step, and make sure you are well-prepared for the road.
Get the best driving lessons in Santa Clarita from Click2Drive to become a confident, skilled driver and master the important hand signals for safe driving.
