Hand signals - still relevant?
Discussion
Yesterday while driving my classic rover I was stopped at the lights when a driver in the adjacent lane informed me that my brake lights weren't working.
I pulled over and saw that the wiring to the switch had come apart. I didn't have any appropriate equipment with me, so I drove the half mile or so using a hand signal.
Was this legal? Should I have called out the RAC for a two minute fix? Would other road users actually know what I was signalling?
SD.
I pulled over and saw that the wiring to the switch had come apart. I didn't have any appropriate equipment with me, so I drove the half mile or so using a hand signal.
Was this legal? Should I have called out the RAC for a two minute fix? Would other road users actually know what I was signalling?
SD.
My classic bikes don't have indicators - I use clear hand signals. Unfortunately, many drivers don't understand what they mean and I've been shouted at etc. for lack of signalling... I doubt many would remember the "slowing down" signal if they can't work out what sticking an arm out means...
I learned by seeing my dad use the hand signals when I was a child, and the instructor did mention them when I took driving lessons in about 1992. I presume they're no longer taught these days. Personally I occasionally use the 'turning left' signal to encourage people to overtake if I'm pulling in, but I'm reluctant to use the 'slowing down' one because I think most drivers today just wouldn't understand it.
Seeing how few have the foggiest idea how or when to use normal indicators i suspect you were flogging a dead horse, would only have been the odd soul had any idea what you were doing.
Nothing wrong with the old signals, i used to have a mate who worked with me and we towed dozens of times on a strong rope strap or chain, we worked best with me towing and him behind, i'd use extensive hand signals as you used to let him know what was happening and required, that towing line never went slack and seldom did i have to apply the towing vehicle brakes.
We didn't slow anyone up either, i doubt few had any idea we were towing.
Nothing wrong with the old signals, i used to have a mate who worked with me and we towed dozens of times on a strong rope strap or chain, we worked best with me towing and him behind, i'd use extensive hand signals as you used to let him know what was happening and required, that towing line never went slack and seldom did i have to apply the towing vehicle brakes.
We didn't slow anyone up either, i doubt few had any idea we were towing.
Edited by Smint on Monday 1st August 09:11
)If merging in turn or doing a U Turn in heavy traffic, I use hand signals then a wave of thanks.
Everything helps to show it's a human behind the wheel, calms other drivers down, I hope.
I was taught hand signals for my bike test, 1980 and my car 1982.
To the OP, I was stopped by the police a few years ago because my brake lights weren't working (the switch had worn out) and told to leave the car and get it picked up and repaired. Paperwork to be shown to police when the switch was fixed or face a prosecution.
I managed to get them to allow me to drive to my place of work, with them following, so at least the car could be parked safely not left by the side of the A40.
Everything helps to show it's a human behind the wheel, calms other drivers down, I hope.
I was taught hand signals for my bike test, 1980 and my car 1982.
To the OP, I was stopped by the police a few years ago because my brake lights weren't working (the switch had worn out) and told to leave the car and get it picked up and repaired. Paperwork to be shown to police when the switch was fixed or face a prosecution.
I managed to get them to allow me to drive to my place of work, with them following, so at least the car could be parked safely not left by the side of the A40.
I drive everywhere wearing a cloak, gloves, top hat and pocket watch. Hand signals are expected.
Seriously though, I was taught hand signals when I learned to drive 50 years ago. I’ve only ever used the slowing down signal, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, but would guess most drivers don’t see them or are totally unaware what they mean.
Seriously though, I was taught hand signals when I learned to drive 50 years ago. I’ve only ever used the slowing down signal, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, but would guess most drivers don’t see them or are totally unaware what they mean.
The hand signals are still in the highway code, and probably something people end up failing the theory test on. I suspect a large proportion of the population would interpret the whirling arm round turning left hand signal as a warning of a police speed trap!!
In theory, you're supposed to do the "slowing down" indication when riding a bicycle, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing that, though some cyclists do occasionally manage the turning left and right signals.
I did see someone using proper hand signals on a motor vehicle at the weekend, though this was on a very old tractor which didn't have any lights at all.
In theory, you're supposed to do the "slowing down" indication when riding a bicycle, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing that, though some cyclists do occasionally manage the turning left and right signals.
I did see someone using proper hand signals on a motor vehicle at the weekend, though this was on a very old tractor which didn't have any lights at all.
If I have seen a police car, ambulance, or fire engine from way behind, then, at a suitable place for them to overtake me, I will have wound the window down in preparation, and give them a ‘I am prepared to be overtaken’ arm signal. I also use that on, say, country lanes when a fast motorcycle is coming up behind me, and I want to make it clear that I am aware and ready to let them pass.
I have also used the ‘I wish to go ahead’ hand signal, when at a police controlled junction, not sure it was any use.
I don’t think any of those signals are formally taught, or even listed anymore.
I have also used the ‘I wish to go ahead’ hand signal, when at a police controlled junction, not sure it was any use.
I don’t think any of those signals are formally taught, or even listed anymore.
SkodaIan said:
The hand signals are still in the highway code, and probably something people end up failing the theory test on. I suspect a large proportion of the population would interpret the whirling arm round turning left hand signal as a warning of a police speed trap!!
In theory, you're supposed to do the "slowing down" indication when riding a bicycle, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing that, though some cyclists do occasionally manage the turning left and right signals.
I did see someone using proper hand signals on a motor vehicle at the weekend, though this was on a very old tractor which didn't have any lights at all.
… “ some cyclists do occasionally manage the turning left and right signals.”…In theory, you're supposed to do the "slowing down" indication when riding a bicycle, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing that, though some cyclists do occasionally manage the turning left and right signals.
I did see someone using proper hand signals on a motor vehicle at the weekend, though this was on a very old tractor which didn't have any lights at all.
More in self-preservation, than for information-giving.
I was a passenger in a car driven by a reasonably new driver a few weeks back, we followed a very old car down some lanes (no clue what it was), the driver of the old car was using hand signals, the new driver had no clue what they were. I'm pretty confident that they are still taught, but nobody pays them any attention once the theory is out of the way.
king from his instructor because he was signalling with his right hand, changing gear with his left, and steering with his knees.I use them a lot at work to reinforce an indicator, which is handy if you're looking to slow traffic to get out onto a main road. Sadly a lot of drivers don't know what they mean anymore. However, the last time I used them out of necessity was probably over a decade ago when the indicators failed on a Ford Transit Connect I was driving, and even then I only needed them for a few minutes to get the van off the road.
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