The driver’s left arm and hand are extended downward. This hand signal means that the driver plans to:
Turn left.
Turn right.
Stop.
Start up.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is Stop.
In driving, hand signals are a universal way of communicating a driver’s intentions, especially when the vehicle’s turn signals may not be functioning or are otherwise unavailable. One such hand signal is the left arm extended downward, which signals the intention to stop or slow down.
Explanation:
Hand signals are important tools for drivers to ensure safe communication on the road. In the United States, the use of hand signals is governed by the Driver’s Handbook or similar regulations in each state, such as the New York State DMV guidelines. Hand signals are particularly useful when a vehicle’s electronic turn signals are not functioning or when visibility is reduced.
The left arm extended downward is a widely accepted hand signal for indicating a stop. This signal is used to alert other drivers and pedestrians that the vehicle intends to slow down or come to a complete stop. The gesture involves the driver extending their left arm straight out from the driver’s side window, with the palm facing backward and the arm pointing downward. This is typically interpreted as a request to stop, much like when a driver might tap their brakes.
Other hand signals have different meanings:
- Left arm extended horizontally (parallel to the ground): This indicates that the driver intends to turn left.
- Left arm extended upward: This signals the intention to turn right.
- Right arm extended horizontally (parallel to the ground): In some cases, this is also used to signal a right turn, particularly for drivers in vehicles with left-hand drive where the left arm may be too far from the window.
Understanding and using these signals appropriately is essential for safety, especially in situations where electronic indicators might fail or in low-visibility conditions.