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One of the major hazards of driving on Indian roads, unlike anywhere abroad, is the Indian driver’s near absolute disregard of signalling his intentions. While in many cases this disregard is caused by a callous attitude to safety, there are as many cases where the driver is simply not aware of the existence of signals that are designed to keep us safe on the road. In the fi nal part of this series on Defensive Driving, we tell you all about the right signals, when to use them and how to react when others signals at you. There is even a section on signalling at roundabouts.
Hand signals are nearly obsolete and rarely used. The only reason you might need to use them is if the lights on your car stop working.
Simply switch on the right indicator. In case they're not working then the correct signal is to stick your hand out before you make the turn
Stick your arm out and move it forwards and backwards to let other cars overtake. Turning on the right indicator (as Indians do on highways) is incorrect
Switch on the left indicator. If you need to use a hand signal then stick your arm out and rotate it to signal your intention to turn left
Flash your headlights if you think the other driver has not seen you. Use the horn too. Flashing and honking however do not give you the right of way
Switch on the hazard warning lamps as you get close to stopping and keep them switched on. Remember to switch them off when you start again
The white light on the tail lamp cluster warns others about a reversing car. Do not tamper with it and turn it into a brake lamp or wire it for any other purpose
Sometimes a simple signal can be confusing too, depending on your vehicle position. For instance if you wish to drive past a lane on your left and then turn left onto another road but start signalling from before the lane on the left (right and far right) then a car coming out of that lane might think you are going to turn left. Wait until you’ve passed the junction before you signal.
While the brake lamps will warn others of your intention to stop, it's also a good idea to stick your hand up in the air in case you've had to stop in a hurry
Most roundabouts have several lanes of traffic with many vehicles changing speed and direction at the same time. An obviously hazardous area, which makes it all the more important that you signal correctly. Also remember that at roundabouts it becomes imperative that your signal is matched by your vehicle’s position in the correct lane for you to safely drive through.
