Driving arm signals drivers#
Driving arm signals driver#

However, this is typically reserved for cyclists, motorists, or motorists with passengers since this requires your right arm. There is also an alternative right turn, where you can extend your right arm straight with all fingers extended or use your index finger to point right. Your hand should be pointing up with your palm facing forward. If you’re planning to turn right, extend your left arm out sideways, bent upwards 90 degrees angle at the elbow. sit on the left side of the car, indicating a right turn is a little tricky and takes getting used to. Alternatively, you can put your left arm out sideways and use your index finger to point left instead. To indicate a left turn, extend your left arm out sideways with all your fingers extended. There are three main hand signals that every motorist and cyclist should become familiar with: Left turn, right turn, and slowing down/stopping. At the time, it was known as the “Flash-Way Directional Signal.”Īlthough automatic turn signals quickly took over the automobile market, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation ( DoT) kept the three basic hand signals in the books. In 1939, American car manufacturer Buick introduced factory-installed flashing turn signals as a safety feature. Obviously, the Trafficators did not last, although they were around for quite a while. For example, the “Trafficator,” an invention created in 1921, used huge mechanical arms that swung out horizontally. In addition to this patent, there were many inventions, ideas, and patents that hoped to introduce an automated signaling mechanism to automobiles. It wasn’t until 1907 when a man named Percy Douglas-Hamilton applied for a patent ( Patent Number 912831) for a device “indicating the intended movements of vehicles.” These lights were shaped like hands because most motorists were used to reading hand signals.

Driving arm signals drivers#

Where Did Hand Turning Signals Come From?īefore cars had built-in blinkers, drivers relied on hand turning signals to tell other motorists in traffic if they were turning or coming to a stop. So while it’s true that hand gestures like these are most common among cyclists, they are still considered part of traffic - and the United States has a law that says hand signals are required of any motorist who does not have functioning signal lights. While on the road, relying on these motions is essential, especially since failure to use proper signaling is a major cause of American roadway accidents. However, cyclists aren’t the only ones who use them: Motorists in cars and trucks, moped drivers, and motorcycles can also use these gestures. Since bicycles don’t come with brake lights or turning signals, cyclists use hand signals to tell motorists when they plan to turn left, turn right, or come to a stop. In transportation, hand turning signals refer to the gestures that a cyclist uses, which indicate their intentions to other drivers in traffic. The same can be said for using hand signals while doing important activities, like driving.

It’s become obvious that using gestures in our everyday lives is not just born out of habit but out of necessity. Universal signals like these help convey our thoughts and intentions, and they can even help translate words to people who may be hard of hearing or speak another language. We even use emojis while texting or instant messaging with friends and family.

Driving arm signals driver#

You might wave at another driver for letting you into their lane, which is another way of saying “thank you.” You might nod, shrug, or gesture while talking, which shows what you’re thinking and may help put it into words. Every day, we use hand signals and gestures without even realizing it.