What do the drivers' signals and gestures mean?!

On the road, drivers use a fairly wide range of nonverbal messages – gestures, sound and light signals – to communicate with other road users.

Using high beams for slow-moving vehicles

Perhaps the most common light signal is the high beam flashing. More often, such a message is given to slow-moving vehicles that have occupied the high-speed left lane of a highway, so that they can clear the lane by recovering to the right.

It would be much more correct to approach the car in the left lane and turn on the left “turn signal.” In fact, this is exactly what Western motorists do in such situations, and these good manners should be adopted.

High beams as a warning

It's no secret that many people on the road warn drivers of oncoming cars with a few blinks of their high beams. As a rule, such a light sign is used to warn traffic police officers or mobile speed cameras.

Other cases for using high beams

There are other uses for high beams. Sometimes, with a wink, drivers can warn of a dangerous section of the road.

Continuous high beam signaling is used in an emergency situation on the road. Signaling in this case is a last resort.

The meaning of the turn signal signals

Many drivers, and especially “truck drivers”, have such a habit of warning drivers to follow them. The left “turn signal” on means – You cannot overtake! And by turning on the right “turn signal”, the driver, following in the same lane in front of you, signals that the “oncoming lane” is free and you will have time to make an overtaking maneuver.

Emergency lights

By the way, it is not worth signaling for a long time. Optimally, one to three blinks. The same meaning is obtained by sequentially turning on the left, and then the right "turn signal".

The second, no less frequently used algorithm for turning on hazard lights is an excuse for unintentional road roughness. It is often turned on by drivers who inadvertently "cut off" a neighbor in the traffic flow.

Another scenario for using emergency lights is directly related to safety. Remember to use your emergency light if you encounter an unexpected obstacle in the form of an accident, traffic jam, or broken road.

If the car is reversing with its hazard lights on, it is asking you to let it pass. Its message in this case is that it is difficult for it to follow the situation from behind. The “emergency” should also be turned on to warn the driver who is following you at night with the high beams on. Switch to low beams so that he does not blind you.

Using brake lights

With a series of light, short brake lights, you can signal the driver who is "glued" to your rear bumper to keep their distance. Clearly, this maneuver should be performed very carefully.

Horn signal

Warning signals can also be heard. According to the rules, the horn is allowed to be used outside populated areas. However, real practice suggests that "beeping" is a very common means of communication in large cities.

In addition, in recent years, horn signals have developed the following semantic load. A short beep means a greeting, a sign of gratitude (for example, it is a kind of “please” for the fact that a person apologized or thanked you with “emergency group”).

Gesture

The indicator pointing to the side means that the car has a malfunction, you should stop and check.

Be careful on the road! Follow traffic rules to avoid situations that will hinder your journey. If this happens, call the following numbers: 0878 424 097 / 0879 147 374, you can order roadside assistance in Sofia and the country.

The hand draws a circle in the air and points towards the road – this means your tire is flat.

The gesture of opening the fingers clenched into a fist symbolizes that it is necessary to turn on the dipped beam.

Lowering the palm horizontally – “slow down, slow down, stop.” The same gesture is used to warn that the trunk is open.

An index finger or hand pointing at the door means that the neighbor's door is not closed tightly or the sash has pinched the seat belt.

Finally, a pat on the shoulder or spread fingers are a warning of a police ambush.