Proper hand signals to use if your tail lights stop working – know the law

BROKEN tail lights can create a serious hazard for both you and other drivers – but these hand signals can help save the day.

The gestures can be used to tell other road users what you are about to do, reducing the risk of a crash.

John Lamb Copyright

Knowing proper hand signal can heavily reduce the chance of an accident if your tail lights stop working[/caption]

The Highway Code

Placing one arm out of the window signals a right turn[/caption]

Unpredictable behaviour is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road.

If your indicators and brake lights fail, it is a lot harder for other motorists to know when you will turn, slow down or even stop.

That uncertainty is, thankfully, resolved by a proper knowledge of the Highway Code.

Driving laws clearly state a trio of hand signals that can be used to make fellow drivers aware of an upcoming change in your driving.

Given that UK cars have the steering wheel on the right, they are all based on using your right arm to signal out of the driver’s side window.

First of all, placing your arm out straight without moving tells those behind you that you are about to turn right.

To signal a left turn, it would obviously be impractical and even dangerous to make you reach over and stick an arm out of the passenger’s side window.

Instead, you make the same gesture as for a right turn but then slowly rotate your arm forward in a circular motion.

Finally, you can place your arm out in the same way, with the palm of your hand facing down, then slowly but clearly move it up and down.

This indicates that you are slowing down or stopping.

Normally, road laws require you to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, but there is an exception in this scenario.

Just be sure to make your signal clear and give enough time for others to see it, before returning your hand to the wheel to keep full control of the vehicle.

For motorcyclists, the signals are the same except for a left-hand turn, in which case you are allowed to simply extend your left arm in a mirror image of the right-hand turn signal.

However, there is no signal to suggest that you are about to reverse, so exercise extreme caution if you have to do so and try and make others aware of your intention as best as you can.

It comes after a motors expert revealed five signs that your windscreen wipers need replacing or risk a £2,500 fine.

Meanwhile, we gave readers a look inside the world’s smallest caravan, which boasts a bed, a kettle and even a bar.

The Highway Code

Adding a forwards rotation signals a left turn[/caption]

The Highway Code

Moving your arm up and down signals that you will be slowing down or stopping[/caption]