ADI Part 2 - Signal(s)

Driving Signals

The second phase of the ms-psl hazard routine is the use of appropriate signals.

When we talk about signals, almost all experienced drivers, and very many ADI trainees, consider only the use of the direction indicators. Yet the direction indicators are just one of many driving signals that we can use to inform other road users of our intentions.

The purpose of using signals is as we've just said, to inform other road users of your intentions or your presence. You should aim to develop your skill in using signals to a high level. There is more to consider than meets the eye. Signals should never, ever confuse other road users.

It's all about information. We need to give, take and use information throughout our driving if we are to drive safely.

The basic rules, which should never be broken, are that signals should be used clearly and in good time.

In using them effectively, we need to consider the type of signals available, and also the timing of signals to gain the maximum benefit from them.

Types of Signals

The direction indicators are universally used, and need no further explanation, but as a trainee driving instructor, you need to consider every other kind of signal you give and receive.

The brake lights are also signals. They show other road users that we are slowing down, so think carefully. The ms-psl routine starts with mirrors, not signals. So what should we do before giving a signal that we are braking? See the ms-psl errors page for more examples. This same argument goes for any signal you care to give, in any situation you find yourself in, except the emergency stop.

Before giving a brake light signal, think about the effect it will have on the drivers behind you. You need to closely coordinate all your signals with good observation skills and effective mirror use.

We also have reversing lights, to warn other drivers of our intention to drive backwards, the horn and even flashing headlights are accepted as a drivers signal.

The use of the horn, and the use of flashing headlights should have exactly the same meaning - to warn of your presence or the presence of danger - nothing else. They should never, ever be used as a rebuke. Neither should they be used to invite other vehicles through gaps.

The horn can be used on the approach to particularly severe corners, or other hazards where visibility is poor, to warn road users who might not have seen you of your presence. At night, the use of the horn is unlawful, but it is effectively replaced by flashing headlights.

If you have to negotiate a very wobbly cyclist on a windy day, a short horn note to get their attention before you accelerate to pass them, may be of immense value.

Flashing headlights are interesting. They should only be used for one purpose - to warn other road users of your presence. Yet they are commonly used as a visual representation of the following phrases:

"watch out, I'm coming through", "Go on, you go first", "You complete idiot" and "thank you"

As a trainee ADI you will use flashing headlights and your horn for one purpose - to warn of your presence.

Other signals available to us, yet often ignored or even not practiced, are arm signals. Check the highway code and get to know them thoroughly. They are particularly useful in reinforcing other signals in situations that could be a little ambiguous, or where the conventional signal might not be seen. For example:

You intend to turn right, but there's a parked car on the left just as you approach the turn. The driver behind you may think you are indicating to simply pass the stationary car, not to make the turn. They could therefore fail to take account of this and not slow down. The arm signal here could reinforce your intention.

You approach a zebra crossing with a pedestrian about to step onto it. A car is approaching from the other side of the crossing, and the driver may not have seen the pedestrian about to step out. The driver will most certainly not see your brake lights from their position. An arm signal here, showing your action of slowing down, will warn the other driver of what is happening.

Another form of signaling, often not considered, is the position of the car on the road. Sometimes we clearly give away our intention, just be taking up the appropriate position. So do other road users. However, never use your road position as a substitute for a properly planned signal.

Confusing Signals

Use signals carefully, and as part of a planned approach to hazards. Ensure that your signals don't cause confusion. Example of confusing signals are:

Signaling left as you approach a junction. You have no intention of turning into the junction, and simply want to park up after it.

Signaling left to go straight on at a roundabout. You intend to miss the first exit on the left, and take the second exit.

Forgetting to cancel an indicator after emerging from a junction. The traffic behind you have no idea of your future intentions.

These are very simple examples of confusing signals. The list could go on and on and on . . .

If you use your signals in a manner that could cause confusion, you will almost certainly receive a mark for a serious or dangerous error from the SE. This will mean an automatic part 2 failure.

Interpreting Signals from Other Road Users

Just as you have to be careful about your use of signals, you need to be careful about how you interpret the signals you get from others. Do they mean what you think they mean?

The common situation here is the flashing headlights, or quick horn 'beep'. The other driver could be saying "get out of my way. I'm coming through". But if you interpret it as "You go first", there could be trouble just ahead.

Also, are you sure that the signal was meant for you? The other driver may be saying "hello" to a colleague or friend, but you see it as a sign to make progress. Oh dear.

Be aware that other drivers do not use signals properly, they don't use the full range of signals available to them, and they often don't even consider the effect of their signals on other drivers.

Signals are the language of the road. If you speak a different 'signal language' to the other driver, there could be a state of confusion.

When considering the signals of others, ask yourself:

Did they mean to signal?

Are they signaling at me?

What do they mean?

Use signals carefully and to inform. Use them in a planned approach to hazards. Get to know the full range of signals available to you, and how you could use them in different situations. Interpret the signals of others carefully.

ADIT Team.