You would use hand signals to communicate your intentions on the road, especially when your vehicle's signals might be insufficient or obscured.
The Importance of Hand Signals
Hand signals are a vital part of road safety, used to indicate turns, stops, or other actions. Here's why they're necessary:
- Communication: Hand signals provide a clear method of communication with other road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Visibility: According to the provided reference, nearly 40% of a vehicle's outer perimeter is hidden by blind spots. This means that even if you use your turn signals, not everyone will see them, making hand signals essential for being seen.
- Redundancy: They act as a backup when electronic signals fail.
- Clarity: Hand signals can offer additional clarity about your intentions, particularly in situations where your vehicle’s signals may not be easily visible.
Hand Signals vs. Electric Signals
| Feature | Hand Signals | Electric Signals |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To indicate intentions clearly to all road users. | Primarily to alert drivers of intentions. |
| Visibility | Can be seen by a wider range of road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. | Can be obscured by blind spots. |
| Reliability | Manual; always work unless injured. | Depend on electrical function; may fail. |
| Use | When electronic signals aren't functioning or when extra visibility is required. | Standard for indicating turns or lane changes. |
| Primary Audience | All road users | Primarily car drivers |
Practical Applications of Hand Signals
Here are some scenarios where you might use hand signals:
- Bicycle Riding: Cyclists rely heavily on hand signals due to the smaller size of their vehicle and the lack of electronic signals.
- Signal Malfunctions: If your car's turn signal stops working, using hand signals ensures you can still communicate with other drivers.
- Emergency Situations: In a situation where your vehicle is causing a problem and your hazards are on, hand signals can communicate further intention.
- Visibility Concerns: If you're in an area where your electronic signals might be blocked, using hand signals can improve your visibility to pedestrians and other drivers.
In essence, both electric and hand signals work together to provide safer roads for everyone. As the reference suggests, communication on the road is paramount, especially considering blind spots.
