When traveling to another country, we may not always know the language of its citizens. However, traffic signals allow you to overcome the language barrier and establish relationships with other drivers.
Signals with lanterns
Flashlights are used not only to illuminate the road and indicate basic actions. You can use them to warn about danger, ask for something, thank and apologize.
- Double high beam flashing
Used for warning about danger. If someone in oncoming traffic briefly "blinked" their headlights twice, slow down. It is possible that there is an emergency section of road ahead, an accident, ice and so on. In the CIS, this signal is also often used to notify the road patrol post. So make sure you're strapped in properly.
A small life hack. If the traffic police stops you for light signals (and they can do it), do not make excuses and do not try to fool around. Use a trick: say that you warned other drivers about a dangerous section. This way you will present yourself as a responsible participant in the movement, and the police will not be able to find fault with you.
- Single high beam flashing
Used to tell the other driver that you are giving way. Most often, this signal is used when someone can't get out in heavy traffic, for example, from an adjacent secondary road. Slow down and let the driver know that they can move. The main thing now is to wait until he finishes the maneuver, because not everyone can instantly react to your kindness!
- Rear light
When the rear car flashes its high beam at you on the highway, it means that it is asking you to give way. This most often occurs on roads with two lanes, when the speed of the catch-up is much higher than yours, and there is no room for maneuver. When you give way, be careful: there may also be cars on the side of you. In any case, maneuvers should not interfere with other vehicles. This signal is common in the CIS. In other countries, drivers often use a turn signal.
- Flashing + turn signal
If the car behind you has turned on the right (in Britain and other countries with right — hand traffic — left) turn signal and beacons the headlights- it asks you to stop. He may have seen a problem that you haven't noticed yet. Or maybe your friend just wants to discuss something, but his phone is dead.
Warning lights
Most often, emergency lights are used to say «thank you» or «sorry». Their interpretation depends on the situation on the road. If you were given a place in the stream, it is "thank you"; if you accidentally cut someone off or slowed down — «I apologize». The alarm can be used to communicate with the driver behind you, who is blinding you with their headlights. Turn on the emergency light for a few seconds and don't forget to thank him when he fixes his mistake!
Turn signals
Turn signals are quite interesting and very important not only when they are used for their intended purpose. If you have met truckers on the roads, you probably know how hard it is to overtake a heavy truck. Just for such cases, turn signals are used.
If the driver of the front car has indicated that he wants to turn to the side of the road, but continues driving without slowing down, then the road ahead is clear and you can start overtaking.
Conversely, if the transport ahead turns on the turn signal in the direction of the roadway, then there is a threat ahead and it is better to wait a few minutes.
ATTENTION! Such signals are not a call to action, but just a warning. Before any maneuver, you must independently assess the situation and maintain maximum vigilance.
Stop lights
Stop lights, in addition to braking, signal a significant event on the road. If the driver in front has shown the brake light several times, but has not stopped or braked, then he says: "You got too close, keep your distance, buddy!"
Hand signals
In some situations, the car's light tool kit is too sparse and cannot provide a clear understanding of the situation. In this case, you should resort to gestures. They are also universal and understandable to everyone, sometimes replacing entire sentences.
- Raised open palm
A sign of gratitude and greetings. This way you can let other drivers know that you have received their signal. Or salute a friend in the next row.
- Circle in the air
When another driver draws a circle in the air, it's bad. If he also adds a «thumbs down» gesture or just points at your wheel, there is no doubt: there is a hole in the tire. At first, it can be difficult to notice a flat tire, so such a signal can save you from an accident.
- The driver slowly lowered the hand
If you see another driver slowly moving his hand from top to bottom — slow down. Perhaps you got carried away and stopped looking at the speedometer, and a treacherous camera or patrol is waiting around the corner.
- The driver slaps the air
It may look like a dangling palm, but this signal means that you have the trunk opened . I agree, you can notice this just by looking in the rearview mirror, but the door is not always wide open, sometimes the lock is just not completely closed.
- The driver points to some element of the car
The gesture is similar to a flat tire signal, only the driver does not represent the wheel, but directly indicates the problem. For example, when a door opens. If it points down very persistently and energetically — immediately move to a safe place: this may be a direct indication of a serious breakdown!
- Opening and closing the fist
Several consecutive and rapid clenches of the fist resemble the flashes of a light bulb. This is exactly what the gesture means: you forgot to turn on the lights! It is better to double-check whether everything is in order, because there is a fine for driving without light.
- Thumb between 2 fingers
On the road, this is not an insult at all, but an opportunity to save someone's life. Heavy trucks with paired rear wheels risk snagging a rock or other debris from the roadway. And sometimes foreign objects can be very impressive. This is very dangerous for all participants: the truck loses control, and if the stone flies out at full speed, it will easily "sew" the windows of several cars in a row. By notifying the trucker of the threat in time, you are guaranteed to prevent an accident by spending a little more than 10 seconds!
As you can see, driving gestures are extremely simple, but very clear and effective. You've probably noticed more than half of them during your travels. By remembering what the driver's signals mean and when to use them best, you will make the ride comfortable and the atmosphere on the road pleasant and friendly. Well, the best way to go is to rent a car of your dreams!
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