By Stephen K. Dieseruvwe
When driving, the language we use takes the form of signalling with indicator lights, hazard warning lights, brake lights, flashing headlights, arm signals, the horn, reversing lights, fog lights, and headlights. These signalling devices are used by a driver to communicate to other road users what they intend to do.
Indicators are used to show an intended change of direction, whether turning right, left or moving out into traffic. Use indicators in good time, giving other road users plenty of time to react and adapt to your signal. Once you have completed any manoeuvre, make sure the indicator has cancelled otherwise you may confuse other road users. A signal to indicate that you are going to turn right and a signal to indicate that you intend to pull into the side of the road and stop can easily be confused by other road user. Be particularly careful if you intend to park just past a right-hand junction, especially if a vehicle is waiting to emerge.
Hazard warning lights are used when you need to warn other road users of a hazard, either your own car or an obstacle on the road. Use them when you have broken down or temporarily obstructing traffic. On dual carriageways and expressways, you can use hazard lights briefly to warn the vehicles behind that there is a hold-up or very slow moving traffic in front. Only use hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence when you have stopped.
Brake lights are used to warn following drivers that you are slowing down every time you press the footbrake.
Flashing headlights and the vehicle horn are used to warn another road user, who has failed to see you, of your presence. Sound your horn when it could benefit pedestrians and other road users in situations where they may not have noticed you or cannot see you.
Arm signals can be used when mechanical signals, such as direction indicators or brake lights have failed in your vehicle. Although rarely used nowadays, arm signals can be useful to confirm a signal given by your indicators.
Signalling is one of the key ways in which we give information to other road users, and giving information is a key part of the information phase of the system of car control. The purpose of signals is to inform other road users of your presence or intentions. You should give a signal whenever it could benefit other road users, but do not signal indiscriminately.
These are the key points to remember:
* consider the need to give a signal on the approach to every hazard, and before you change direction or speed
* give a signal whenever it could benefit other road users
* remember that signalling does not give you any special right to carry out the actions you indicate
As well as taking care that your own signals are not misleading, you also need to be cautious about how you interpret the signals of other road users. For example, does a vehicle flashing the right-hand indicator mean that the driver intends to:
* park the vehicle, possibly immediately after a right hand junction?
* turn into a right-hand junction?9
* carry straight on, having forgotten to cancel the last signal?
In practice you should use the position and speed of the vehicle to interpret what the driver intends to do.
The system of car control advises that you to give a signal only when pedestrians or other road users could benefit. This helps your driving because it encourages you to be attentive and aware of what is happening on the road around you, especially behind you.
Courtesy signals are important because they encourage cooperative use of the road space and promote road safety. Acknowledging courtesy of other road users encourages good driving and helps you to develop a positive attitude to driving.
Stephen K. Dieseruvwe
Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)
**Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant
**Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com
**Tel: +2348167814928