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Signals
Generally speaking, we don't know the other people on the road around us . Despite this fact, we trust our safety to these strangers every time we drive.
Pedestrians are even more vulnerable to the potential actions of strangers in vehicles.
We warn children about the dangers of talking to strangers, but when we are driving, talking to strangers is essential. You do this by using signals (that is, recognised, correct signals as illustrated in the Highway Code!).
Bearing in mind the fact that we know nothing about those with whom we are communicating with on the road it is especially important that our signalling 'language' is clear and unambiguous, that's why Highway Code signalling rules are so important.
You should give signals if they will help or warn other road users. Your signals must not be misleading.
For example, you might flash your headlights to say thank you to a driver who has just given way to you; another driver could see the signal and think that you are giving way to him. I’ll leave you to work out the potential problems that might be caused by that misunderstanding.
Another common communication problem is caused by drivers who forget to cancel their signals after use. Although most indicators are self-cancelling, you should always check to make sure they are switched off after a manoeuvre.This is especially important after lane change manoeuvres, where the steering wheel may not turn enough to cancel the signal.
There are eight legitimate ways for you to 'talk' to other road users, each is explained briefly in this section.
Signals
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