The driver’s left arm and hand are extended upward. This hand signal means that the driver plans to:
Turn left.
Turn right.
Come to a stop.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is “Turn right.”
In the United States, hand signals are used by drivers to communicate their intentions to others on the road. These signals are especially important in situations where the vehicle’s turn signals may not be functioning or when the driver wants to make their intentions more visible.
The specific hand signal for turning right involves extending the left arm out of the driver’s side window and bending the elbow at a 90-degree angle, with the fingers pointing upward. This signal is universally recognized as the driver’s intent to make a right turn.
Why This Signal Means Turning Right:
- Standardization of Traffic Signals: The hand signal for turning right was standardized as part of the effort to create clear communication between drivers. In the early 20th century, when the automobile became widely accessible, there were no electronic turn signals on vehicles. Hand signals were essential for drivers to indicate their intentions to other road users.
- Visibility and Communication: The upward arm signal is distinctive and easy for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to notice. The upward angle makes it clear that the driver intends to turn right, as opposed to simply moving forward or turning left.
- The Left Arm Used for Signaling: In the U.S., the left arm is typically extended for all hand signals. This is because it is the most practical arm for signaling, given that it is positioned closer to the window and easily visible to other drivers. Even though the signal is for a right turn, the use of the left arm is still a standard in traffic law.
Other Hand Signals:
- A left arm extended straight out with the fingers pointing horizontally is used to signal a left turn.
- A left arm extended downward (with the hand open or closed) signals the intention to slow down or stop.
These signals are part of a broader set of traffic rules designed to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.