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.
Go straight ahead.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Turn right.
In the United States, hand signals are a way to communicate a driver’s intentions when signaling isn’t possible with vehicle lights, especially for older cars or when a turn signal is malfunctioning. The hand signals are simple and standardized to ensure that other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can easily interpret the driver’s intentions.
When the driver’s left arm and hand are extended upward, it is a hand signal indicating a right turn. The reason for this signal is rooted in the early development of hand signals for vehicles. The left arm was typically used for signaling because it was easy to extend from the driver’s side, which was always on the left of the vehicle. To indicate a right turn, extending the left arm upward created a clear visual cue. This practice is still in use today, especially in situations where turn signals might not be visible or functioning.
For clarification:
- Left arm straight out (horizontal) indicates a left turn.
- Left arm bent at the elbow at a 90-degree angle (upward) indicates a right turn.
- Left arm bent at the elbow at a 90-degree angle (downward) indicates the driver intends to stop or slow down.
These signals help maintain safety on the road, allowing other drivers to anticipate the driver’s actions and adjust their driving accordingly. In the case of the upward signal, it tells drivers behind that the person is about to make a right turn, allowing them to prepare for any changes in direction or speed.
It’s crucial for all drivers to be familiar with these hand signals to ensure road safety, especially in situations where vehicle signal lights are ineffective.