Hand Signals or Manual Regulation Signs are the gestures used to regulate traffic on the road using the hand movements. Traffic police officers use these actions to regulate traffic particularly at intersections while the drivers use these signals to notify the other users on the road about his intentions. The most basic driving hand signals are those used to demonstrate that you are about to make a turn. These signals are used if you are in a car or truck that has broken turn lights, or if you are on a vehicle like a bike that has no turn signals to begin with.

The arm being placed all the way out, at a straight angle, indicates preparing to turn in that direction. The arm being placed out with the forearm pointed straight up with the elbow at a ninety-degree angle indicates preparing to turn in the opposite direction. The arm being extended with the forearm pointed straight down with the elbow at a ninety-degree angle indicates a stop.

In addition to turning, there are a number of other important things that can be communicated to other drivers by using driving hand signals. For example, pointing out of the window and down towards the road with the pointer finger fully extended indicates that the oncoming driver should be on the lookout for an obstacle in the road. Placing one’s palm facing down and pushing it down slowly is a signal that the oncoming driver should reduce their speed. Placing one’s palm facing open directly at the oncoming driver indicates that the oncoming driver should stop. In addition, moving one’s hand with the palm facing the side from one side to the other indicates that the car in front should pull over.

Other driving hand signals are more colloquial, both in this country and in others. For example, the shake symbol, with the thumb and pinky fingers extended out from a clenched fist is often used as a symbol of thanks, for example to drivers who have let you pass them.

Of course, there is another set of driving hand signals as well, which is used primarily to show disappointment or anger at another driver. These symbols, from the single digit thrown up, to a thumb against the teeth, are the same gestures of anger used widely throughout their respective cultures.

The dangerous part of hand signals is when it is made by an occupant other than the driver of the vehicle. Especially in countries like India there is always a ‘cleaner’ seated in the driver’s cabin. He carries all kinds of support services for the driver including signaling job. It is very common to find him signaling when the driver is driving. One never knows if there is a proper coordination between the driver and the cleaner. It is not unusual to note the driver taking a d different path different from one indicated by the cleaner. And this leads to accidents in a crowded setting!