Hand Signals

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6519, 7 April 1931, Page 5

Hand Signals

Many motorists appear to overlook the fact that the sole purpose of hand signals is to indicate to others their own intentions, and that tlie driving of other cars behind is no concern whatsoever. The only signals really called for are those which indicate that the driver is going to do something which may not be expected by those who are following. In other words, the only signal which appears to be really needed is to hold out the hand in the proper manner (not just dangle the hand over the side of the car or out the window) when it is intended to pull out to the right, cither with the object of passing something or turning down a side road.

There is quite a large number of motorists who respond to the sound of the horn by a sweep of the hand. This, in itself, is a laudable action as an indication that the warning has been heard; but how much better it would be to keep the hand on the steering wheel and pull to tlie left, so as to give room for the other car to pass. Theoretically, a driver is supposed to move his hand up and down when traffic in front compels him to slow up, and to hold his hand up when forced to stop. If all drivers would realise that the object of hand signals is to indicate their own intentions, and give those signals correctly, the handling of cars, as well as general safety, would be improved.