Under what circumstance is it necessary to use hand and arm signals while driving?
You should use hand and arm signals when your vehicle's electronic turn signals or brake lights are broken or otherwise not visible.
How do you perform the hand signal for a LEFT turn?
Extend your left arm and hand straight out, horizontally, from the driver's side window.
What is the correct hand signal for a RIGHT turn?
Extend your left arm from the driver's window and bend it upwards at the elbow, forming a \(90\)-degree angle.
Describe the hand signal used to indicate you are STOPPING or SLOWING DOWN.
Extend your left arm from the driver's window and bend it downwards at the elbow, forming a \(90\)-degree angle, with your hand pointing toward the ground.
From which side of the vehicle are hand signals given in a typical American (left-hand drive) car?
Hand signals are given from the driver's side window, using the left arm.
Why must all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know the standard hand signals?
So they can understand the intentions of a driver whose lights are malfunctioning, and so they can communicate their own intentions if necessary (e.g., as a cyclist).
Visualize the hand signal for a right turn. What is a helpful way to remember it?
Think of your upward-pointing arm as showing the direction 'up and over' the roof of the car to the right side.
Visualize the hand signal for stopping. What is a helpful way to remember it?
Think of your downward-pointing arm as pushing down on the brakes or pointing toward the road where you intend to stop.
