Hand signals are used while driving to convey specific meanings, especially when turn signals are not working. The left hand is used in right-hand drive countries, while the right hand is used in left-hand drive countries. Other hand signals include indicating an obstacle on the road, slowing down, stopping, and expressing thanks or anger towards other drivers.
When driving, it is impossible to verbally communicate with other drivers who are also in their own cars, separate from you. For this reason, a whole lexicon of communication has emerged that uses hand signals to convey specific meanings. While not a formal sign language, hand signals are one of the largest sets of gestures. Although driving hand signals differ from country to country, many are universal, at least within a region such as Europe or North America.
The most basic hand signals are those used to show that you are about to turn. These signals are used if you are in a car or truck that has broken turn signals, or if you are in a vehicle such as a bicycle that does not have turn signals to begin with. In the United States and other right-hand drive countries, the left hand is used, as the driver is on the left side of the vehicle, thus allowing them to stick their arm out of the window.
In countries that drive on the left side of the road, the right hand is used. The arm placed all the way out, at a right angle, indicates preparing to turn in that direction: left in the United States, right in a place like Great Britain. Arm positioned with the forearm pointing up with the elbow at a ninety degree angle indicates that you are preparing to turn in the opposite direction: right in America, left in a place like Britain. Arm extended with forearm pointing downward with elbow at a ninety degree angle indicates a halt.
In addition to turning, there are a number of other important things that can be communicated to other drivers through the use of hand signals. For example, pointing out the window and down the road with the index finger fully extended indicates that the approaching driver should be alert for an obstacle in the road. Placing your hand palm down and pushing it down slowly is a signal for the oncoming driver to slow down. Placing the palm of the open hand directly toward the oncoming driver indicates that the driver should stop. And moving the hand with the palm to the side from side to side indicates that the car in front should stop.
Other hand signals are more colloquial, both in this country and in others. For example, the shaka symbol, with the thumb and little fingers extended from a clenched fist, is often used as a symbol of thanks, for example, to drivers who have let you pass. The same symbol in some parts of Europe is used as an acknowledgment by Volkswagen drivers to other Volkswagen drivers, as it creates a one-handed V and W. The V hand sign, often associated with the symbol of victory or peace, serves a similar function in Australia, where it is used when passing a brave charger.
Of course, there is also another set of driving hand signals, which are mainly used to show disappointment or anger towards another driver. These symbols, from a single digit up, to a thumb against the teeth, are the same anger gestures used widely in their respective cultures.
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