Communication is critical to overall safety in traffic. Drivers need to alert others to their intentions before maneuvering. They also need to monitor their surroundings to respond appropriately to other people’s behavior.
For most drivers, brake lights and manual turn signals serve as their primary form of communication with others in traffic. Most bicycles do not have built-in illuminated communications signals. Without brake lights and turn signals, cyclists most rely on hand gestures to communicate with others in traffic. Unfortunately, drivers may ignore or misinterpret hand signals.
How cyclists signal their intent
There are four primary hand signals used by cyclists and traffic. Those intending to turn left extend their left arm parallel to the ground. Those intending to turn right can hold their right arm straight out or hold their left arm at a 90° angle with the hand pointed upward. Those about to slow down and stop create a 90° angle with the elbow but hold the hand downward.
The goal is to quickly advise anyone nearby of the cyclist’s planned maneuvers. Unfortunately, while drivers should know cyclist hand signals, many of them have forgotten what they learned in driver’s education. Others misinterpret the signals and assume a different maneuver than the one a cyclist actually intends to perform. If the driver does not properly respond to a cyclist’s attempt to communicate, they can cause a devastating collision.
Cyclists hurt in car-bicycle crashes often need help pursuing compensation through insurance and preparing for personal injury litigation. Analyzing the contents of a crash report and the terms of an insurance policy with a bicycle crash attorney can help injured cyclists seek financial justice after a costly crash.