Wednesday, November 06
01:43 PM

Signals: Language of the road

19 Oct 2024 Use of Signals on the road

By Jeremy Fox

The various signals we use as drivers are the ‘language of the road’.

It doesn’t matter what spoken language we use or what country we’re from, when we’re driving we have a universal language at our disposal which is literally at our fingertips.

Vehicles are fitted with several signalling devices:

  • indicators
  • brake lights
  • hazard warning lights
  • horn
  • headlights
  • reversing lights

Giving appropriate signals at the correct time and correctly interpreting the signals of others are important because clear communication between drivers assists the safety of all road users.

Let’s look at each method of signalling:

INDICATORS

Different makes of vehicles are fitted with either red or amber indicators and we use them to show an intended change of direction to the right or left.

We should use indicators early and long enough to give other road users plenty of time to react. I often see drivers give signals midway through a manoeuvre. This signifies a lack of thought and is probably based on muscle memory, not awareness.

Once we’ve completed the manoeuvre we should make sure the indicator has cancelled to avoid creating confusion.

We must inform other drivers what we’re ABOUT to do. Telling them what we’ve just started isn’t helpful.

BRAKE LIGHTS

Brake lights illuminate when we press the brake pedal. They’re designed to warn following drivers that we’re slowing down and possibly stopping. Brake lights are red, so we must remember that their effectiveness can be ‘diluted’ by red tail-lights when they’re used at night or in reduced daytime visibility.

Use brake lights to ‘control’ the following driver by communicating your speed reduction over a sufficient period of time. Late braking is a late ‘signal’; this  can increase the risk of a collision to the rear. Remember, give other drivers time to react.

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

When we activate our hazard warning lights all the vehicle’s indicators flash simultaneously. This type of signal is seen a lot in Oman when drivers warn following drivers that traffic ahead is slowing down on the highway.

We should also apply this useful signal if our vehicle is causing a stationary hazard. However, never use hazard lights as an excuse to park illegally and/or dangerously.

HORN

A horn should be used as an audible warning of our presence – nothing else. We should avoid using it aggressively in order to rebuke others; such behaviour does nothing to engender safety and courtesy.

HEADLIGHTS

Apart from their obvious use, headlights are sometimes incorrectly used as a signal to tell another road user that they can, for example, turn in front of them. However, be careful about such signals unless you are certain what the other driver is actually trying to communicate.

In certain circumstances, headlights can be used as we would a horn: to signal our presence to other road users. However, if in doubt, we shouldn’t use headlights for anything other than their primary purpose of highlighting our vehicle and illuminating the road ahead.

Never flash your headlights to try and intimidate other road users or give potentially ambiguous instructions.

REVERSING LIGHTS

As well as illuminating the area behind us at night to assist a reversing manoeuvre, these lights – whether it’s day or night – indicate to others that you’re about to reverse.

THE DRIVER

Keep in mind that we have one other signal at our disposal: ourselves!

In Oman, we rarely see a friendly wave or brief nod from a driver we’ve just extended a courtesy to.

Such courtesies help create a positive attitude and are very simple ‘signals’ to give. It’s also one of the most important ones we can adopt in order to encourage responsible behaviour.

Apply signals consistently and sensibly.

Safe driving!

(Jeremy Fox is a British driving and road safety expert. Since 2009, he has managed the driver-training operations of Technical & Administrative Training Institute. He considers it his privilege to have contributed to Oman’s improved road safety.)

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