As such, knowing when you should and shouldn't signal while driving is crucial. We're going to take a look at the types of signals that drivers can use on the road, when they should and shouldn't be used, and how they play a role in the driving test.
When you're at the wheel, every road user that you come across—drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike—will rely on your signals in order to figure out what you intend to do next. By signalling correctly, you keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe. There are several key ways to signal your intentions on the road. The most obvious signal that we're sure you're familiar with is the use of indicators.
Used by drivers to tell other road users when they intend to change direction or position on the road, they're probably one of the most important tools at the disposal of drivers. When you use your brake pedal, the red lights at the back of your vehicle will light up to warn other road users that you're slowing down.
If a vehicle's driving too closely behind you, you can gently touch the brake pedal to light up the brake lights without altering your speed too much to tell them to slow down and increase the space between you both. The position you take on the road can be used to emphasise which direction you're going to take.
If, for example, you're turning onto a right-hand side road, you can position your car towards the right-hand side of your lane as well as indicating. Not only will this tell road users where you're going, it will also give them space to move into position if they're turning the other way. When you turn on your hazard lights, all of the indicators on your car will turn on and light up.
Your hazard lights should be used sparingly and only in certain situations:. While some drivers are often wont to use the horn in a fit of pique to tell off other road users, it should only really be used in one situation: when you're on the move and you need to warn other road users that you're there. You should not use your horn when your car is static, or if you're driving in a built-up area between 11pm and 7am.
Whether you're a learner or a qualified driver, you've no doubt seen drivers using their headlights as a way of telling others that the way ahead is clear and that they should go. This method can be very dangerous, however, as you don't always know if the way ahead really is clear. The Highway Code says that drivers should only flash their headlights in order to warn other road users of their presence.
As such, it's a handy alternative to using the horn in situations where doing so is discouraged. When you intend to change your position or direction on the road, it's important that you use the correct procedure to do so: the MSM Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine. If you intend to turn left at the end of a junction, for example, you need to check your mirrors to assess the position of traffic behind you.
Is the driver behind you too close? Are there any cyclists nearby? Once you're sure of the situation, you need to indicate to warn other road users that you intend to change direction. You must then manoeuvre your vehicle—giving your mirrors another check. You'd follow the same procedure if you intended to use your brake lights, for example, to tell the driver behind you that they're too close and need to make space.
It's all well and good knowing what types of signals you can use to tell other road users what you intend to do, but if you don't know when to use them, you're going to be in big trouble. So, when should and shouldn't you signal while driving? Let's see what the resident experts have to say…. If you're looking to take your theory test—or have already done so—you should be familiar with the Highway Code.
A compilation of rules and information for road users to promote safety on the road, the Code covers a range of topics, from road signs to vehicle markings to you guessed it signalling. Not only is it important for you to signal correctly, it's also vital that you keep a close eye out for other road users and their signals. The Code further urges road users to:. While it seems pretty self-explanatory, driving isn't always black and white.
In the spring of , he was arrested for driving under the influence in Kennewick, WA. Washington State Patrol officers pulled Brown over after he briefly turned on his left turn signal while approaching a stoplight in a designated left turn-only lane but turned the signal off and did not reactive it while at the light or while completing the turn.
State troopers pulled Brown over for the misuse of his turn signal, but subsequently, he was arrested for DUI. The case was initially dismissed after a Benton County District Court judge found out that Brown was not legally required to reactivate his turn signal while in the turn-only lane, and that troopers had no reason to stop him initially.
After much debate between the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals, the state of Washington appealed to the Supreme Court, later resulting in the new ruling, which was just recently put into effect. RCW According to current Washington State law, drivers must use their turn signal whenever they are making a lane change, even if they are in turn only lanes.
Your turn signal should be activated and stay on at least feet before changing lanes or making a turn in Washington State. In Washington State, a traffic ticket for failing to signal or improper lane usage is considered a moving violation. If you pay the ticket, it will go on your driving record and impact your insurance rates. If you have recently received a traffic ticket for failing to signal or improper lane usage in Pierce, King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Thurston, or Lewis counties, be sure to give our law firm a call today at to get a free case evaluation.
To indicate a stop, bend your arm at the elbow with your hand and forearm pointing toward the ground, and your palm open and facing backward. By using turn signals or hand signals, you will reduce your chances of traffic collisions and traffic tickets, and ensure the safety of all road users. How to Use Turn Signals The turn signals on most vehicles are located on a short lever attached to the side of the steering wheel column. The Right Times to Use Turn Signals Use your turn signals or a hand signal when doing any of the following: Making a left or right-hand turn at an intersection Entering a driveway or parking lot on either side of the road Parking on the side of the street Pulling over to the side of the road Changing lanes Passing another vehicle on the road Merging with traffic when entering a roadway When leaving a roundabout Even if there is no other vehicles or pedestrians in the area, you should use your turn signals.
When to Turn On Your Turn Signals When you turn left or right at an intersection, you should be in the lane closest to the direction you are turning in. Using Hand Signals for Turning and Stopping You only need to use hand signals to indicate a turn or stop if the signal lights or brake lights on your car are not working, or if for some other reason another driver or pedestrian may not be able to see your turn signals or brake lights.
When turning left, extend your arm straight outwards.
0コメント