If you've ever encountered another motor vehicle driver who
doesn't signal when turning or whose break lights aren't
working, you'll know how frustrating and dangerous this can be.
Experienced drivers should instinctively activate turn signals when
making a turn, and any vehicle without working break lights (or
signals) is a real hazard on the road. Seeing these lights in
advance allow us to prepare for some of the important actions other
vehicles are about to take. In their absence, we must react quickly
and defensively.
Cyclists don't have the luxury of flipping a switch to
signal a turn or to let others know they are slowing down. Instead,
they must use hand signals to alert others on the road about their
plans. As a motor vehicle driver, you should become well-acquainted
with these signals. Not only will they alert you to actions a
cyclist is about to take, but you can also use them in an emergency
if your own signals and lights have failed.
