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Signal to warn others of your intention and to help other road users, which could be anyone using the road in a variety of ways.
Road users include
- Drivers of other motor vehicles
- Drivers of large or slow - moving vehicles
- Motorcyclists
- Users of powered mobility vehicles
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- Horse riders
- Crossing supervisors
- Road workers
- Persons directing traffic.
Signal clearly in good time. Give only signals illustrated in The Highway Code.
Direction indicator signals
Help other road users to understand your intention by
Conflicting signals
A signal with the left indicator means ' I am going to turn left' OR 'I am going to stop on the left'.
Avoid using your left indicator before a left-hand junction if you intend to stop on the left just after the junction. A driver waiting at that junction might think you're turning left and drive out into your path.
If you're waiting to emerge and a vehicle seems to be indicating its intention to turn left, wait until you can see that it is actually going to turn before you pull out. Otherwise you might drive into its path.
Remember, roundabouts often have several lanes of traffic with vehicles changing speed and direction. Its important that you give any signals correctly and at the right time.
Warning signals
The horn - There are few situations when Youll need to use the horn.
Using the horn doesn't
- Give you priority
- Relieve you of your responsibility to drive Safely.
Sound it only if
Avoid using a log blast on the horn as this can alarm pedestrians. If a pedestrian doesn't react to a short signal on the horn, horses as they could be startled by the sound of a horn.
Never use your horn as a rebuke or to attract someone's attention. Don't use it to attract the attention of someone at the side of the road or to signal your arrival to someone to whom you are giving a lift.
Unless a moving vehicle poses a danger, it is illegal to use your horn
- When stationary
- When driving at night (11.30 pm - 7.00 am) in a built-up area.
Flashing your headlights - Use only as An alternative to the horn to remind others that you're there.
Don't flash your headlights at anyone to indicate that they should go ahead or turn.
If someone flashes their headlights at you -Before you act on the signal,make sure
- You understand what they mean
- It's you whom they're signalling.
Never assume it's a signal to proceed.
Ask yourself
- What's the other driver trying to tell me: 'stop', 'go', 'turn', 'thank you'?
- If I move, will it be safe?
- Is the signal intended for me or for another road user?
- Am I causing a hold- up by staying where I am?
- Is the other driver really signalling, or Were those headlights flashedaccidently?
The consequences rest with you.
On motorways and dual carriageways-
if you think a warning is usually better than using your horn. Be alert for such warnings from other drivers.
If a driver behind starts flashing their headlights and driving dangerously close
- Stay calm
- Don't be intimidated.
Move back to the left as soon as there's a safe gap and you have checked you can do so without cutting in on vehicles that you
have overtaken.
Changing course is your responsibility.
Act sensibly.
Remember, the only official meaning for the flashing of headlights is to let other road users know you're there - the same as using the horn. |
