Question

Difficulty: MediumTurning Procedures and Signaling

When using driver hand signals, extending the left arm and hand straight downward out the vehicle window indicates an intention to execute a right turn.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Extending the left hand and arm downward signals an intention to stop or decrease speed. A right turn is indicated by extending the left arm out the window and bending it upward at a 90-degree angle.
The statement is false because extending the left hand and arm straight downward indicates an intention to stop or decrease speed. To legally signal a right turn using hand signals, the driver must extend the left arm horizontally and bend the elbow upward at a 90-degree angle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall standard driver hand and arm signals mandated by traffic safety laws when electric turn signals are inoperative or in daylight conditions.
Identify the three official positions: left arm extended straight out (left turn), left arm bent upward at 90 degrees (right turn), and left arm extended downward (stop or slow).
Traffic laws specify precise manual arm positions to ensure unambiguous communication with surrounding motorists.
2
Compare the action described in the statement with the legal definitions of manual driving signals.
Confirm that a downward arm angle represents deceleration or stopping rather than a right turn.
The downward position directs the palm toward trailing vehicles to warn them of a decrease in speed or full stop.

Key Concept

Standard Hand Signals for Turning and Stopping
Rate this question