Many novice drivers drive out onto the road and cannot understand why another driver is signaling to them or an oncoming car is blinking their headlights. Knowing the signs that have long been adopted among drivers is no less important than knowing the rules traffic. Such signs are designed to make it easier for drivers to understand each other. In this article, we will talk about all types of conditional signals adopted among drivers.
High and low beam signals
If a car is coming towards you and double flashing high beam, then the driver tries to warn you of the danger. Typically, such a warning refers to a nearby traffic police post, but it can also warn of a major accident, heavy ice, and so on. Raise your hand in gratitude.
If the car behind you beeps with a single and long high beam, you are asked to give way. Turn on the right turn and change lanes. This is a rather crude way, so drivers often turn on the left turn signal for the same purpose.
if you quickly blinked a distant light at an intersection or a narrow road where it is difficult to pass, then the other driver shows that he is giving way to you. Don't forget to raise your hand in gratitude.
If the headlights of an oncoming car blinded you, then turn on high and low beams. This will let the driver of the other car know to turn off the high beams.
hand signals
If it starts to get dark outside, and the driver of another car is driving with the headlights off, show him a gesture similar to a flashing light bulb - flailing fingers. He will understand that you need to turn on the headlights.
If you see someone riding with open trunk, imitate a punch in the air.
if you hand signal to the side of the road, then change lanes and stop on the side of the road, apparently, your car has some kind of malfunction that is not felt from the inside.
If you see a flat tire or an open door, inform the driver, pointing at a problem with a finger. You can also sound the horn to get attention.
Sound signals
long beep, as a rule, a way to attract the attention of the driver of another car. Sometimes he also expresses dissatisfaction with the behavior of the driver.
Growing dissatisfaction is expressed in a series of short beeps. A single short beep is a way of expressing gratitude.
Alarms or turn signals
Car driver, flashing emergency lights, in most cases expresses gratitude or asks for forgiveness.
If on a narrow road you are going to overtake in the opposite direction, and the one in front truck shows left turn, then do not overtake. Thus, the driver of the truck suggests that the road is busy and overtaking is dangerous. If truck's right turn signal is on, and the car is pressed against the side of the road, then the path is clear. Don't forget to thank the driver by turning on the emergency lights.
If the car is driving in the opposite lane, overtaking a bus or a truck, with left turn signal on, then it informs all cars behind that the road is clear and it is possible to overtake.
In some situations, drivers cannot press the emergency gang. In this case, if necessary, thank someone or apologize for a dangerous maneuver, alternately turn on first the left and then the right turn signal.
Brake signals
If the car in front of you brake lights flashing, then the driver may warn about keeping the distance.
Be careful when interpreting the conditional signals of drivers. For example, a truck showing the right turn signal on the highway may just be about to stop. Make sure the maneuver is safe, and don't just rely on the signals.
Driver warning signals enable communication while driving on the roadway. The language of motorists is aimed at increasing understanding between people, which leads to reduction or other emergencies.
Conditional signals of drivers can be of a warning nature or simply act as a way of expressing gratitude.
Courtesy signs
Many beginners, not so long ago, do not know how to behave if a driver gave way or made a certain maneuver that facilitates movement.
There are several for this:
- Short-term activation of the "emergency gang". Actual to use after overtaking vehicle giving way.
- Reaching forward or to the side of the left hand. A sign of gratitude for cars passing in the oncoming lane.
Flashing with an alarm can also be used as a sign of apology.
The use of courtesy signals in everyday life is extremely important for establishing contact between car owners. This is a kind of observance of the rules of road etiquette.
Communication through lights
Drivers' signals to each other are very often associated with the use of built-in lighting devices.
Flashing high or low beam almost always has a warning value.
A car passing in the oncoming lane blinked its distant one? This suggests that the driver should reduce speed and continue further movement with extreme caution - there may be a serious accident ahead.
Double blinking with a high beam usually indicates the presence of inspectors on the road. Such secrets of motorists allow avoiding the aggravation of emergencies that have arisen on the road and protect the driver from not very pleasant communication with police officers (responsible road users have nothing to fear).
A high-beam signal from a car moving behind indicates an urgent request to give way. The most correct solution in such a situation would be to turn on the legal turn signal and rebuild in the right lane. The left lane will become clear, and the impatient driver will be able to continue his journey.
On the video - truckers' signals:
If you want to give way to another vehicle on your own, you should blink your high beam once.
If, when driving at night, the driver is blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car, you can also inform him about this in the above way.
While driving, turn on the hazard warning lights and pull off the roadway to the side of the road. Such a warning signal acts as a protection for the affected vehicle, as well as for vehicles traveling behind.
Permanently on the left turn signal of the bus or truck warns of the unsafety of overtaking on this section of the road. Ignoring such a signal from a motorist can provoke an accident.
The inclusion of the right turn signal by a car going to overtake indicates a danger that may not be noticed due to insufficient visibility. In this case, slow down and stop.
The SDA of Russia also states that when towing, it is necessary to turn on the alarm for both vehicles.
Communication with hands
Motorists' signals are not limited to the use of light signals, most of the communication between them is carried out through the use of gestures.
To show that the trunk of a moving car is open, you just need to depict a clap with an open palm in the air.
Noticed a flat car tire? Report the problem to the driver by making an imaginary circle in the air and pointing down with your thumb. He'll understand what it's about. insufficient pressure in tires.
Swinging your hands towards the curb indicates the detected malfunctions. It is better to heed the advice, stop and check the condition of your own vehicle.
If you decide to let a pedestrian pass, wave your hand to him. The person calmly and confidently continues on his way.
Due to certain individual reasons The driver may be asked to slow down. This can be done by moving your palm smoothly in the air from top to bottom.
A raised palm with spread fingers is the main warning sign. Speaks of the presence or presence of a dangerous area.
The displayed figure is a signal used by truckers or truck drivers. Indicates a cobblestone stuck between the rear wheels.
Sound signals as a method of mutual understanding between motorists
In addition to gesture and light methods of transmitting information, there are also those supplied by drivers.
Drivers can greet or thank each other with a short signal horn.
A long horn is a great way to express displeasure and annoyance to the driver.
Very often, sound signals perform additional functions that help to attract the attention of a motorist and, in other ways, warn him of danger.
Video about gestures and signals of drivers on the road:
It is often not worth practicing using the beep, since according to the rules of the road it is intended only to prevent an emergency.
Knowing the language of motorists not only replaces verbal communication between people, but also helps by common efforts to choose the most correct way out of any situation. traffic situation. Mutual respect always works wonders!
In theory, all signals of the traffic controller are quite simple, but in practice, it is when the traffic controller appears at the intersection that many drivers fall into complete bewilderment.
This is due to the fact that regulated intersections are much more often regulated by traffic lights, and traffic controllers appear only in exceptional situations.
And it is in these situations that most often a complete mess begins at the intersection, since many drivers either already do not remember the gestures of the traffic controller since the days of driving school, or never knew them at all.
Traffic signal for pedestrians
There are only 3 traffic controller signals in the traffic rules, but they have different meanings for different road users:
- pedestrians;
- Vehicle;
- trams.
We will not consider traffic controller signals for trams in this article, but let's talk about pedestrians and vehicles in more detail.
So, if you saw a traffic controller at the intersection, then the first thing you need to determine is who you are: a pedestrian or a driver of a vehicle (for example, a car or). After that, according to the gestures of the traffic controller, you need to determine whether you can move.
In clause 6.10 of the SDA, all traffic controller signals in the order in which they appear, but in practice another approach is more convenient. After you have seen the traffic controller, you first need to understand at what gestures it is you who are allowed to move, without focusing on other road users. With the appropriate gesture, you can continue moving.
Consider traffic controller gestures for pedestrians. I note that a pedestrian can be at an intersection in only two possible situations:
- you need to cross the road that goes to the right (red arrow);
- you need to cross the road that goes to the left (blue arrow).
Let the pedestrian from the example need to cross carriageway along the red arrow. A pedestrian may cross the road in the following situations:
- the arms of the traffic controller are extended to the sides (one to the left, the second to the right);
- The right hand of the traffic controller is extended forward and he stands with his back towards the road that the pedestrian is about to cross.
In the left picture, the traffic controller's arms are extended to the sides and the pedestrian can move along the red arrow. Note that in this case, the path of the pedestrian intersects with the paths of vehicles turning right, but the vehicles must yield to the pedestrian. In addition, the traffic controller with arms outstretched to the sides can stand to us not only with his face, but also with his back. Movement in this case will also be allowed.
Movement along the blue arrow in the first picture is prohibited.
Let's look at the right picture. On it, the traffic controller is located with his back to us and his right arm is extended forward. In this case, you can also cross the road on the red arrow and not on the blue one.
Please note that if the traffic controller is facing us and his arm is extended forward, then pedestrian movement along the red arrow is prohibited.
So, approaching the intersection, the pedestrian should wait for the following signals from the traffic controller:
1. Arms extended to the sides. One hand shows the direction from which the pedestrian came, and the other hand shows the direction in which the pedestrian is going to continue his journey.
2. The traffic controller's arm is extended forward. He stands with his back to the road that the pedestrian is about to cross.
Please note that if the traffic controller's arm is extended upwards, pedestrian traffic is prohibited. However, since in practice the majority of pedestrians do not know the signals of the traffic police, traffic police officers prefer to first stop the traffic flow by raising their right hand, and then show the pedestrians with gestures that they can go. This is not prohibited by the rules.
I note that for crossing the carriageway to the wrong signal of the traffic controller on a pedestrian, an administrative fine may be imposed, which will be considered later.
Signals of the traffic controller for the driver
Consider traffic controller signals that are intended for drivers of cars and other vehicles. When approaching an intersection, you must clearly know in which direction you are going to move and, of course, take the right one.
At a standard intersection, a driver can perform one of four maneuvers:
- right turn;
- moving straight;
- left turn;
- U-turn.
Let's consider them in turn.
Right turn:
The maneuver is allowed with the following gestures of the traffic controller:
1. The arms of the traffic controller are extended to the sides and one of the hands points to the direction from which we arrived;
2. Right hand the traffic controller is stretched forward and points to the direction from which we arrived;
3. The right hand of the traffic controller is extended forward and points to the left.
Driving straight:
Movement is directly permitted if:
1. The hands of the traffic police officer are extended to the sides and one of the hands points to the direction from which you arrived.
2. The right hand is extended forward and points to the left.
In all other cases, movement is expressly prohibited.
Turn left and U-turn:
Left turns and U-turns at a police-controlled intersection are only allowed in one case, which is shown in the image above. The right hand of the traffic controller should be extended forward and point to the left.
Please note that when making a U-turn at an intersection controlled by a traffic controller, your path will intersect with the path of vehicles approaching from the left and turning right. In this case, you should give way to them, because. these vehicles are approaching your car from the right (the place at the intersection where the trajectories of the cars intersect is considered).
Features of the passage of the intersection with the traffic controller
Finally, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video, which discusses in detail the traffic lights and traffic controller signals:
By the way, if you have problems with studying the gestures of traffic controllers, I recommend finding an intersection with a traffic controller on the streets of your settlement and standing near it for 20-30 minutes. I'm sure everything will fall into place in no time.
On the roads of our country, situations often occur when a traffic light stops working at a busy intersection, and the traffic controller standing in the middle of the intersection takes control and coordination of traffic according to traffic rules.
The traffic controller takes full control over the regulation and direction of cars standing at the intersection. Accordingly, each driver needs to fully know and clearly follow all the signals of the traffic controller, which are given in accordance with the traffic rules.
Regulator - who is he?
As a rule, the functions of the traffic controller at the intersection are performed. Simply put, it is an analogue of a traffic light, as a result of which the correct movement occurs and no traffic jams are created. It gives signals to all participants in the movement, ranging from cars and ending with trams and trolleybuses, as well as pedestrians crossing the carriageway of intersections.
For regulation, he uses accepted and unified hand gestures and his body. Gestures can be in the form of outstretched arms or extended only the right arm forward, as well as the position of the chest, back and shoulder in relation to cars and pedestrians.
The traffic controller can also use a wand and a special disk with a red color to help him. These devices allow you to better determine and understand the actions of the traffic police officer responsible for road safety. He is also allowed to use additionally various hand gestures that will be understandable to all drivers.
Standard and Boolean Values
During training at a driving school, a special course is given to study the gestures and signals of the traffic controller. During it, all cadets are introduced to the standard positions of the hands and wands, which replace the work of traffic lights. After studying this course, each cadet in a driving school takes the appropriate ones, which allow you to consolidate the knowledge gained.
To refresh your memory, below are the main all possible gestures and signals that the traffic controller uses:
Basic and simple memorable gestures:
- Turned "back" - means;
- The arm is stretched up - movement is prohibited for everyone, i.e. red light for everyone;
- Turned by the right shoulder with outstretched arm - also a red light;
- The shoulders are turned parallel to the road - it means the green light of the traffic light.
An important point is that the traffic controller has a higher priority than a working traffic light.
Regulation rules
As practice shows, while driving on the roads in the city, you can rarely meet a traffic controller, so most drivers forget the meaning of his gestures and signals over time. What if locality is a small town with a population of about 50 thousand, then it can appear there very rarely, almost once every hundred years. At its core, all its signals have their own logical meaning and there should be no difficulty in remembering them.
1. Raised hand up
- Tram: ride is prohibited;
- TS: no driving allowed;
- Pedestrian: Walking is prohibited.
If the traffic controller raises his hand, it is absolutely forbidden for all participants on the road to move. Everyone should stand and wait for his next order.
2. Arms extended or lowered down
This gesture of the traffic controller has two identical values of traffic rules: with arms outstretched up or lowered down.
a) for those who stand in front and behind:
- Tram: ride is prohibited;
- TS: no driving allowed;
- Pedestrian: Walking is prohibited.
b) for those who stand on the sides:
- Tram: you can only move straight;
- TS: only drive straight ahead and turn allowed right;
- Pedestrian: you can cross the road.
3. Right arm extended in front of you forward
This signal and gesture of a police officer is the most confusing in terms of complexity. He has four different meanings traffic rules for all participants. If you follow the logic, then most of them will be understandable.
a) for the one who is on the side of the right shoulder:
- Tram: moving is prohibited;
- TS: no movement allowed;
- Pedestrian: Walking is prohibited.
b) for those who are behind:
- Tram: ride is prohibited;
- TS: no driving allowed;
- Pedestrian: allowed.
c) on the left side:
- Tram: you can make;
- TC: allowed to move in any direction;
- Pedestrian: prohibited.
d) front:
- Tram: move to the right;
- TS: move right.
- Pedestrian: prohibited.
Summarizing, one can do following output:
The traffic controller can appear on the road only in two cases: when the traffic light is not working or when there is a traffic jam. You can rarely see him at the crossroads of the city, but you need to know all his gestures. If suddenly there are difficulties with understanding any signal, then you can focus on the flow or how everyone else is moving.
Video: All the signals that the traffic controller uses
How can you while driving“say” something to the drivers of neighboring cars (warn, thank, apologize, ask, etc.)? After all, your words do not reach their ears.
In addition, other drivers can "tell" you something. And in order to understand them, you need to know the language of conditional signals (signs) of drivers.
Knowledge of such conditional signals helps improve road safety. Proper use of these signs creates a friendly environment. helps to prevent and avoid fines, traffic accidents; apologize by smoothing over the mistake; to thank, etc.
Here is a "translation" of the main conventional signs of drivers:
LIGHT SIGNALS
1. Blinking high beam.
a) If there are traffic police officers or a photo-video camera, then to warn oncoming drivers it is customary to blink the high beam (usually 2 times, but someone blinks 1 time). Oncoming drivers will be able to slow down in advance, buckle up and avoid trouble with the traffic police. In the same way you can be warned. In this case, it is necessary to thank the driver who blinked the high beam - raise your open palm in gratitude.
b) They can also blink distant, if there is some danger ahead and you need to be careful and ready to slow down and stop. Therefore, it is better to slow down and be vigilant.
c) If, for example, in a dense stream you have the opportunity to let the driver turning, or leaving the parking lot, and the driver does not dare to go, because. according to traffic rules does not have an advantage, then you need to blink him with a high beam once (showing that you are letting him through). Only in this case, be sure to wait until this driver passes, even if he did not immediately respond to your “shot” with a high beam.
d) If you are being overtaken by a vehicle from behind and blinking high beam, the driver asks you to give way to him. At the same time, the left turn signal can be turned on. If it is possible to change lanes safely, then it is better not to interfere and turn into another lane ( IMPORTANT! At the same time, you must be very careful not to interfere with other drivers). This signal can be used by auto-substituters when one is driving in a blind zone (it is not visible in the mirror), and the second behind is blinking with a high beam (“let it pass”). Some drivers are in a hurry to immediately change lanes, and may hit a car in the blind spot (even if they don’t hit, auto-substitutes find ways to convince that there was an accident). Therefore, be vigilant.
e) To ask the driver in front to stop, a signal is applied - turn on the right turn signal and blink the high beam.
2. Blinking emergency lights.
a) To thank another driver, if he missed you, or somehow helped you - you need to blink the emergency gang (optimally - from 1 to 3 times). If for some reason the emergency gang cannot blink, you can turn on the turn signals one by one. If the other driver after that briefly blinked his high beam or slightly pressed the horn, this means “please”.
b) If you accidentally cut off or otherwise interfered with another driver, then, in order to smooth the blame and prevent possible irritation of this driver, blink at him with an emergency gang to apologize. Based on the meaning of what is happening on the road, it will be clear whether you thanked or apologized.
c) If there is a traffic jam ahead(this is especially true on highways), then to warn drivers driving behind (so that they have time to slow down in time), you can turn on the emergency gang (turn it off when the driver stops behind). Burning brake lights and an emergency gang will tell the driver behind that it is necessary to slow down and stop. Similarly, you can be warned by the driver in front. Author's note! I will not argue with this common signal among drivers. But personally, I think that on roads with one lane in each direction, in this case, the driver behind (if he is not aware of what you are showing him) can still go to overtake. Therefore, it is safer to turn on not the emergency gang, but the left turn signal at the same time as braking. So the driver behind will understand that it is impossible to overtake, it is necessary to slow down and stop. Think about my opinion, and decide for yourself how to act correctly.
d) If at night the driver behind you did not turn off the high beam, and you are blinded in the mirrors, then turn on the emergency gang for a while. This will prompt the driver behind to switch to low beam. After that driver turns off the high beam, you can blink his emergency gang as a token of gratitude.
3. Turn signal signals (except for official lane change and turn signals)
a) If you overtake a passing vehicle, and his driver blinked his right turn signal (while he continues to go straight), this means that the oncoming lane is free for overtaking. Just don't start overtaking blindly. Still, be vigilant and assess the situation yourself. And having overtaken, thank the driver who prompted the emergency gang (see point 2).
b) If you are catching up with a passing vehicle and are about to overtake, and his driver blinked his left turn signal, which means that you can’t overtake, the oncoming lane is not free.
4. Stop lights
If you are driving behind a vehicle and its brake lights flash briefly several times in a row, and the driver has not slowed down, then this may serve as a “too close, keep your distance” signal for you.
HANDS SIGNALS
1. If another driver He drew a circle with his finger in the air and points down at the wheel of your car, which means that the tire has flattened.
2. Gesture when another driver claps his palm in the air, means that the trunk is open.
3. If the other driver is slow lowered his palm from top to bottom, then says “slow down” (perhaps ahead of the traffic police, or some kind of danger).
4. As mentioned above, the open palm raised up is a sign of gratitude (usually used to say “thank you” to oncoming drivers). Such a gesture is also used as a greeting (when acquaintances greet on the road).
5. Also, gestures can be according to the situation. For example, if another driver points to the bottom of your car, it is better to stop and inspect the car (including looking under the bottom). If they point to the door, then perhaps it is not closed, or something is stuck in it.
6. Gesture "sharp opening of the closed fingers of the palm"(similar to a blinking light bulb) means “turn on the headlights” (for example, it happens that the driver gets used to a little darkness at dusk and forgets to turn on the headlights; or the driver forgot to turn on the dipped beam while driving).
7. If a truck driver is shown a cookie, it means that a stone is stuck between the rear (twin) wheels (such a stone can be dangerous for cars driving behind the truck).
Now you can "talk" with the drivers of neighboring cars and understand what you were "told". This is very useful, and gives more confidence and safety behind the wheel!
The main thing to remember is that everything is good in moderation., and it is necessary to use these conventional signs if necessary and as clearly as possible.
I'll tell you right away which of all the listed symbols is most familiar to drivers:
- blinking an emergency gang for gratitude and apologies;
- distant blinking - "missing", "traffic police ahead", "danger ahead";
- blinking the right turn signal - "you can overtake";
- blinking left turn signal - "you can not overtake";
- raising an open palm - a sign of greeting or gratitude.
Also, be vigilant when other drivers try to show you something. We sometimes do not quite understand direct words, and sometimes it is also difficult to understand the meaning of conditional signals. But in most cases, everything is understandable.