When switching lanes...is it appropriate to let your window down and point at the lane you'd like to get in?

Question

i figured just turning on your signal would do...right?

Answer 1

No, it's not appropriate at all.
Use your indicators, that's what they're there for. I couldn't tell you if pointing to the lane you want is legal or not but what I will tell you, is that if someone doesn't look at your hand gestures, and you have an accident YOU will be in the wrong.

Answer 2

It is appropriate to keep both hands on the wheel and use the turn signal.

When you change lanes, you are suppose to do it ONE LANE AT A TIME... therefore there is no reason to "point to the lane you would like to get in."

Answer 3

Yes! But only while talking on the cell phone, with the radio blasting, and definetly only after you are most of the way in the lane anyway, and most important, only if there is someone following close on your bumper AND there is someone about to put their car right where you want to go!
If those things fail, get a big sign, write I want to drive my car to this spot, get out of the car, display the sign, get back in the car, and change lanes. Don't forget to curse, and gesture with the hand not attatched to the cell phone.
No, turn on the signal, and legally proceed to get in the lane. Even those who think it is their life's work to block you from changing lanes understand what a turn signal means.

Answer 4

That's what turn signals are for.

That being said you should know the hand signals for lane changes and stopping, and pointing at a lane is not one of the hand signals.

Answer 5

Only if you are a taxi driver in South Africa, and you must remember not to use the cars signal or to look if there are other cars in the lane already.

Answer 6

Yes ,legally speaking and safety wise its best if you turn on your indicators rather waste time and concentration rolling the windows down to warn others.
Turn on the indicators and gradually move towards that lane.

Answer 7

I don't think you should actually point--that would probably make some drivers avert their eyes from the road to look at what you're pointing to. You can make hand turn signals--extent your left arm completely out the window, straight, to turn left, or hold it out at the window, elbow bent (with your hand pointing up) to turn right.

Answer 8

Just drive with your emergency lights on. That will clear the lanes for you.

Answer 9

That's what turning signal were invented for. Why would you stick your arm out the window too?

Answer 10

You only need to use hand signals if your turn lights are broken or if your vehicle doesn't have turn lights (bike, motorcycle, etc). Otherwise, use your turn lights.