Let’s talk, but how can we talk if we are doing 110 km/hr. on Yamuna expressway on a sunny afternoon. So today we will learn about different hand signals which can make our bike-life a bit simpler. The most commonly used hand signals are turn signals indicating whether the rider is going either left or right but there’s more to this sign language. Although the advancements in technologies are sure to change the way we communicate while riding by offering integrated communication systems in our helmet. But it's our job to keep this language alive because a great man once said “never forget your roots”.
• To indicate “going left” or “going right”:Basics first, take your left hand out with all your fingers wide open to indicate that you are going to turn left. If you are going to turn right, raise your hand and keep your forearm perpendicular to your upper arm such that your hand makes an “L”.
• To indicate “Police”:
To be honest, every one of our brother out there needs to know about this sign; because by the time we can indicate our fellow rider of the trouble around the corner it’s already too late. So to indicate that a cop is up ahead on the road, just put your hand on head and tap it up and down.
• To indicate “debris”:
Shake your leg on one side or the other to indicate the presence of bad road or debris ahead on the road.
• To indicate “Turn around”:
Missed a turn because you were too busy drag racing with your buddy down the street? Fear not, just raise your hand and make a circle with your index finger to indicate that you and your mate need to turn around. Same can be used to indicate that you are going the wrong way.
• To indicate “Low petrol”:
Just point your finger on the tank to indicate that you need to refuel, this can also mean that you need something to eat as well.
• To indicate “Number of riders”:
When you are climbing or descending a hill or any broken road, you need to warn the oncoming traffic of the number of riders behind you in order to avoid any accident on a blind turn. The leader in the group holds up his fingers in front of the oncoming traffic to indicate how many riders are behind him. Two fingers mean two riders behind him. The last rider in the group raises a fist to indicate there is no one else behind him and the same can be used by a rider who is riding alone to indicate that he is just by himself.
• To indicate “Slow down” or “Speed up”:
Take your hand out and do an up and down motion with your wrist, this will indicate the slowdown command. To speed up to take your hand out with your palm facing above and move it up and down, this will tell the group that they need to accelerate.
• To indicate “Single line” or “double line” formations:
It’s important to keep your formation on the highway so that you don’t block the traffic on the highway while keeping up your speed. To indicate single line formation while traveling on narrow roads, just raise one finger. To indicate double line formation, raise two fingers; this will tell other riders to pair up. You can also make a horn by making a fist and raising just your pinky finger and your index finger.
• To indicate “Pass me” or “turn blinker left on”:
Someone behind you is in a hell of a lot hurry, just take your hand out and do a rowing motion to let him know that it’s a good time to pass you. To let the oncoming guy know about his indicators left blinking, just put all your fingers on your thumb then open and close it, indicating the blinking effect with your hand.
Conclusion:
Communication is the major key in any successful activity, and while riding on the road you are not only responsible for your life but also others you pass you by, so keep in mind to properly communicate with the oncoming traffic so that you can avoid any kind of unfortunate event from taking place. Motorcycle riding is a form of rebellion but always remember that it should never be at the cost of anyone’s safety.
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By: Yetnesh Dubey