Hand signals

[AuntPeggy]

Today as I drove home, the car ahead slowed and I also braked as well as eased closer. I noticed the driver's fingers gesturing out the window in the breeze and wondered what it was about. She continued to slow more and withdrew her hand, then started the gestures again. It was only after she pulled over into the exit lane and departed the parkway that I realized for sure that she was attempting to communicate by pointing to the right lane that I should move over into it and by limply flopping her hand around, that I should then drive past her.

Ignoring for the moment that she had apparently not yet mastered the art of flicking a turn-signal lever, I wondered whether I am the only person who knows that there are actually recognized and recommended hand signals to indicate one is intending to slow down or to make a right turn.

There are times on a warm summer day when there is much right with the world that I actually use those arm and hand signals. On those days, does anyone know what I am trying to say?

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

There are times on a warm summer day when there is much right with the world that I actually use those arm and hand signals. On those days, does anyone know what I am trying to say?

That the window is open?

(Ok, some of us know what those signals are supposed to mean.)

 

[wsuffa]

I wondered whether I am the only person who knows that there are actually recognized and recommended hand signals to indicate one is intending to slow down or to make a right turn.

There are times on a warm summer day when there is much right with the world that I actually use those arm and hand signals. On those days, does anyone know what I am trying to say?

Yes.

And I had to know them last time I took a drivers license written exam, which was when I transferred from one state to another (some states require the written to transfer your license over).

Most drivers seem to know one universally recognized hand signal. And it doesn't mean "stop" or "I'm turning"

 

[wabower]

I always take it as a compliment, meaning "You're #1".

Yes.

And I had to know them last time I took a drivers license written exam, which was when I transferred from one state to another (some states require the written to transfer your license over).

Most drivers seem to know one universally recognized hand signal. And it doesn't mean "stop" or "I'm turning"

 

[poadeleted20]

When I got my drivers license 41 years ago, we were required to know and use those signals on the road test in addition to the electric turn and brake lights. No more...

In any event, yes, there are standard signals, although they are rarely used today. Here's the description from one state's driving handbook, and I believe these are standard throughout the country:

All hand signals should be made with the left arm, through the open driver's window.

• To indicate that you intend to turn right, extend your left forearm and hand upwards with the palm of the hand facing forwards.
• To indicate that you intend to turn left, extend your left forearm and hand leftwards with the palm of the hand facing forwards.
• To indicate that you intend to slow down or stop, extend your left forearm and hand downwards with the palm of the hand facing backwards.

That said, when driving near another pilot who knows the standard formation hand signals, I've been known to use those to communicate. In addition, there's another fairly universal hand signal which is often used to communicate displeasure with another driver, but that one isn't official.

 

[Ted]

Even I know what they mean and what they're supposed to be. I don't use them in lieu of the blinker signals on vehicles so equipped, although perhaps in addition, especially on motorcycles.

 

[gprellwitz]

Even I know what they mean and what they're supposed to be. I don't use them in lieu of the blinker signals on vehicles so equipped, although perhaps in addition, especially on motorcycles.

Yeah, they're the standard bicycle signals I learned as a kid.

 

[kevin47881]

Yeah, they're the standard bicycle signals I learned as a kid.

And that's where I still use them to this day.

 

[timwinters]

What I wanna know is when, on 4 lanes roads, it became optional to drive in the right hand lane except to pass. I see more and more cars driving down the left lane holding up traffic than ever before. Of course, many times when I finally get around them---you guessed it---I see that they're on their cell phone.

The worst offenders in the areas that I frequent are those with Nebraska, Kentucky, and Illinois tags, in that order.

Is this not a law in all states?

Before someone says it...yes, I'll hang in the left lane on stretches of road where the right lane is much rougher, especially since I drive a 3/4 ton truck. But, I always keep an eye out behind me when I'm doing this and get over when someone is coming up behind me.

It's also fun to be behind two 18 wheelers when one is passing the other at a rate of .0000001 mph and he's doing 60.0000001 in the fast lane.

Can you tell I drive a lot and have developed many, many pet peeves?

 

[jmaynard]

Is [keep right except to pass] not a law in all states?

No, it is not, and those who agitate the loudest for it are those who want to get everyone else out of the left lane so they can speed past at 30 or 40 over the speed limit.

 

[gismo]

No, it is not, and those who agitate the loudest for it are those who want to get everyone else out of the left lane so they can speed past at 30 or 40 over the speed limit.

It is the law in MN but few pay any attention to it. Having driven on Germany's Autobahn where you are likely to be rear ended if you daly in the left lane on the speed unlimited stretches I'm pretty sensitive to the need to avoid hogging the left side but my expectations in most states I've driven in are that there will almost always be someone in the left lane going slower than I want to.

And I'm willing to give a pass based on ignorance to most offenders with the exception of the ones who feel compelled to attempt enforcing their version of an acceptable speed on the rest of the world. I hope that's not what you were implying Jay.

And FWIW, it's definitely NOT the law in many states. It's also somewhat impractical when the traffic is heavy enough to fill all the lanes.

 

[jmaynard]

It is the law in MN

No, it's not. They tried to pass it a few years ago, but ran into trouble, and compromised on posting the "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" signs instead.

And FWIW, it's definitely NOT the law in many states. It's also somewhat impractical when the traffic is heavy enough to fill all the lanes.

...but that doesn't stop the speed demons from complaining anyway.

 

[silver-eagle]

I think when Ma passed the law allowing passing on the right, people just started staying in their "happy lane". You don't like it, go around me! (You can pass to the right if you'd like.)
The problem with staying to the right is no matter what lane you're in, there's always some jerk who wants to pass you and he wants you OUT OF THAT LANE to do it.

 

[Henning]

Today as I drove home, the car ahead slowed and I also braked as well as eased closer. I noticed the driver's fingers gesturing out the window in the breeze and wondered what it was about. She continued to slow more and withdrew her hand, then started the gestures again. It was only after she pulled over into the exit lane and departed the parkway that I realized for sure that she was attempting to communicate by pointing to the right lane that I should move over into it and by limply flopping her hand around, that I should then drive past her.

Ignoring for the moment that she had apparently not yet mastered the art of flicking a turn-signal lever, I wondered whether I am the only person who knows that there are actually recognized and recommended hand signals to indicate one is intending to slow down or to make a right turn.

There are times on a warm summer day when there is much right with the world that I actually use those arm and hand signals. On those days, does anyone know what I am trying to say?

Yep, I know the four standards hand signals for left, right, slowing/stopping and "you drive so bad you should get off the road and fornicate with yourself"

 

[SkyHog]

No, it's not. They tried to pass it a few years ago, but ran into trouble, and compromised on posting the "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" signs instead.


...but that doesn't stop the speed demons from complaining anyway.

I think the concern, Jay, is when I'm driving 85 in a 65, which I commonly do, and there's no traffic around, why would you want to sit in the left lane blocking my ability to pass you? In some states, passing on the right is still illegal, so my only option is to slow down to your speed, which isn't right.

Sure, I'm speeding, but that's a risk I'm willing to take to get somewhere faster.

 

[gismo]

No, it's not. They tried to pass it a few years ago, but ran into trouble, and compromised on posting the "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" signs instead.

So what do you think this means: (from the current Mn driving rules)
Subd. 10.Slow-moving vehicle.

Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or when a specific lane is designated and posted for a specific type of traffic.

...but that doesn't stop the speed demons from complaining anyway.

Do you subscribe to the theory that anyone driving faster than you is a rerckless "demon" and anyone going slower is a dimwitted wimp?

 

[jmaynard]

So what do you think this means: (from the current Mn driving rules)
Subd. 10.Slow-moving vehicle.

Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or when a specific lane is designated and posted for a specific type of traffic.

Slower traffic keep right. I emphasized the critical part.

Do you subscribe to the theory that anyone driving faster than you is a rerckless "demon" and anyone going slower is a dimwitted wimp?

No, but I do believe that there are lots of people who don't think speed limits apply to them because they're damned good drivers. I don't believe I need to make any special accommodation for them, especially the ones who crawl up on my bumper so far I can't see the bottom of their windshield and refuse to back off. OTOH, if they're courteous about it, I'll happily move over when I complete my current pass.

 

[SkyHog]

Slower traffic keep right. I emphasized the critical part.


No, but I do believe that there are lots of people who don't think speed limits apply to them because they're damned good drivers. I don't believe I need to make any special accommodation for them, especially the ones who crawl up on my bumper so far I can't see the bottom of their windshield and refuse to back off. OTOH, if they're courteous about it, I'll happily move over when I complete my current pass.

I don't think "normal speed" == "speed limit" in this case. I read it to mean the flow speed of traffic.

I'm not a speed demon, and I don't think I can drive faster because I'm a better driver, I believe I can drive faster because our speed limit laws are set way too low.

 

[gismo]

I don't think "normal speed" == "speed limit" in this case. I read it to mean the flow speed of traffic.

Exactly. And if you're in the left lane with a big gap ahead and traffic behind you, you're holding up the "normal flow". That doesn't mean you need to jump into the right lane, but if for no other reason than (un)common courtesy you should move over reasonably soon and let the faster traffic go by, even (or especially) if the car beside you is going the same speed as you are.

I'm not a speed demon, and I don't think I can drive faster because I'm a better driver, I believe I can drive faster because our speed limit laws are set way too low.

Ditto, depending on conditions.

 

[gismo]

Slower traffic keep right. I emphasized the critical part.

Personally I think the part you paraphrased is equally critical.

No, but I do believe that there are lots of people who don't think speed limits apply to them because they're damned good drivers. I don't believe I need to make any special accommodation for them,

So it seems you believe that the exact posted speed limits should be adhered to by all drivers but the statute I quoted doesn't apply to you when someone else wants to go faster (especially if they tailgate)?

especially the ones who crawl up on my bumper so far I can't see the bottom of their windshield and refuse to back off.

I can't argue with that one, I never tailgate on purpose and I don't like it when someone rides my back bumper either. Then again, if there's room ahead of me I'll let them by since that means I won't have to deal with them anymore. Just because someone else is behaving badly doesn't mean I have to reciprocate.

JOOC, what's your usual reaction if someone comes up behind and stays well back but flashes their lights a couple times when there's a big gap ahead of you?

OTOH, if they're courteous about it, I'll happily move over when I complete my current pass.

That works for me (as long as your not passing a long string of widely spaced cars with a 1 mph speed difference).

 

[timwinters]

No, it is not, and those who agitate the loudest for it are those who want to get everyone else out of the left lane so they can speed past at 30 or 40 over the speed limit.

Actually, Jay, I don't complain much as long as those in the left lane are at least DOING the speed limit. It's those who are hanging out in the left lane doing 60 that put the burr in my crawl.

And, for the record, I drive 8 MPH over the speed limit wherever I go. Everywhere, everyday, confirmed with the Garmin 396 sitting in front of me. The cops never look twice at me, they have much bigger fish to fry.

Now, go buzzing through Wausau, WI at 73 because you didn't notice that the speed limit reduced from 65 to 55 and, yes, you'll get a ticket. And, yes, they take credit cards (right now!) and have a credit card machine in their car. In ten minutes I had my license back, my ticket and my credit card receipt for $180.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

Actually, Jay, I don't complain much as long as those in the left lane are at least DOING the speed limit. It's those who are hanging out in the left lane doing 60 that put the burr in my crawl.

What gets me is the people who insist on driving in close formation (overlapped) with whoever is in the other lane for miles and miles with no intention of passing so there ain't no way to get by - no way - no how. Speed limit, 5 under, 5 over, whatever - just hang onto that quarter panel.

Nearly every day on the way to or from work...

 

[silver-eagle]

The definition of "Speed Limit" is the MAXIMUM speed allowed by law for a given stretch of road. People who otherwise would not think of breaking the law feel it's entirely fair to travel well above the posted limit. There are the rare few, who have their happy speed and are far far more dangerous on the road - People who insist that 5 to 15 miles an hour under the limit is good and who move straight to the center lane to enforce their opinion.
Either way, you are breaking the law.
And to put it back on point.... They all display the "You're # 1" hand signal should you comment on their driving style.

 

[Ghery]

JOOC, what's your usual reaction if someone comes up behind and stays well back but flashes their lights a couple times when there's a big gap ahead of you?

I take even more time getting over one lane. That trick works on the autobahn (in which case I'm NEVER fast enough to be in the left lane) but not here. And it's usually some clown in a BMW who thinks he's on the autobahn who flips his lights at me from way back. Pretender!