Do you use hand signals when driving? - Star Motorcycle forum: Yamaha Star Raider, V-Max, V-Star, Road-Star discussion forum

Top Gear · 09-14-2009, 07:11 AM

I understand the safety that should be practiced from riding motorcycles, but I feel that using hand signals, when you have working brake lights and turn signals, poses more of a risk than not using them. When I ride, I prefer to have both hands on the handlebars, just so I know I can react better if something were to happen. However yesterday when I was driving my truck, I was behind a motorcyclist who would use hand signals over half the time on his bike. He signaled for brake at least 1500 ft. from the stop light, but didn't hit the brakes closer to 500 ft. I really feel that this is an unsafe practice, but what do you think?

ceimo · 09-15-2009, 01:16 PM

I know in the UK (not sure if this is only for autos or both) but they are talking about signal only when ready, to avoid things like this with just cars.

Honestly for me, I will signal when I am ready within time, to make sure the person behind me does see (most times being a female, I get a nod or something I can see closer towards the light) me.

There is no point in only trusting the brake lights, what happens if its burnt out 1/2 way down the road to your destination?

backrider · 09-15-2009, 10:00 PM

Signal lights and hand signals should be used at the right time to avoid untoward accidents. With a motorcyle, I think it is better to use both, since some motorists using larger vehicles may not notice the signal lights of the bike during daytime.

rider · 09-16-2009, 08:53 AM

I'm not even sure people still know hand signals. When I was first learning to drive, hand signals were part of the driver's manual but are they even there now?

Top Gear · 09-17-2009, 02:27 PM

Usually if I have a taillight out or something similar, drivers behind me will pull up beside me and tell me, as I do the same for them. I understand there are stupid drivers out there, but most of them are concious of motorcycles and will pay attention just to avoid collision.

JuicyWa · 09-19-2009, 05:03 AM

I rarely see anyone use hand signals anymore but when I do I know it draws my attention to that person and I will be extra cautious since I know they're changing lanes. I think it's a good thing to practice.

ridermama · 09-20-2009, 07:33 AM

I don't use them when the lights on the bike work. I just feel more safe when both hands are on the handlebar.
I wonder why he signaled for braking that far in advance. What is the signal for braking?

09-14-2009, 07:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Top Gear Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 25	Do you use hand signals when driving? I understand the safety that should be practiced from riding motorcycles, but I feel that using hand signals, when you have working brake lights and turn signals, poses more of a risk than not using them. When I ride, I prefer to have both hands on the handlebars, just so I know I can react better if something were to happen. However yesterday when I was driving my truck, I was behind a motorcyclist who would use hand signals over half the time on his bike. He signaled for brake at least 1500 ft. from the stop light, but didn't hit the brakes closer to 500 ft. I really feel that this is an unsafe practice, but what do you think?

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09-15-2009, 01:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
ceimo Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 25	I know in the UK (not sure if this is only for autos or both) but they are talking about signal only when ready, to avoid things like this with just cars. Honestly for me, I will signal when I am ready within time, to make sure the person behind me does see (most times being a female, I get a nod or something I can see closer towards the light) me. There is no point in only trusting the brake lights, what happens if its burnt out 1/2 way down the road to your destination?

09-15-2009, 10:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
backrider Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 26	Signal lights and hand signals should be used at the right time to avoid untoward accidents. With a motorcyle, I think it is better to use both, since some motorists using larger vehicles may not notice the signal lights of the bike during daytime.

09-16-2009, 08:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
rider Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 25	I'm not even sure people still know hand signals. When I was first learning to drive, hand signals were part of the driver's manual but are they even there now?

09-17-2009, 02:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
Top Gear Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 25	Usually if I have a taillight out or something similar, drivers behind me will pull up beside me and tell me, as I do the same for them. I understand there are stupid drivers out there, but most of them are concious of motorcycles and will pay attention just to avoid collision.

09-19-2009, 05:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
JuicyWa Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 25	I rarely see anyone use hand signals anymore but when I do I know it draws my attention to that person and I will be extra cautious since I know they're changing lanes. I think it's a good thing to practice.

09-20-2009, 07:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
ridermama Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 25	I don't use them when the lights on the bike work. I just feel more safe when both hands are on the handlebar. I wonder why he signaled for braking that far in advance. What is the signal for braking?