California Driver Handbook

Safe Driving Practices

SIGNALING

Always signal to other drivers and pedestrians when you plan to turn left, right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicle’s signal lights. If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals also.

Motorcyclists often use hand signals to make themselves more visible. Bicyclists may give right turn-signals with their right arm held straight out, pointing right.

LEFT TURN

RIGHT TURN

SLOW OR STOP

Always signal:

• Your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. Caution!—Even though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you want to occupy is clear.
• Before every lane change. Also, look over your shoulder and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• At least five seconds before you change lanes at freeway speeds.
• To let other drivers and pedestrians know your plans.
• Before pulling next to or away from the curb.
• When you change directions.
• Even when you do not see other vehicles around. A vehicle you do not see might hit you.

If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he/she may pull out in front of you.

Remember to cancel your signal after turning.

Steering

Steering Control–Modern vehicles require very little steering to turn. Look at the steering wheel as a clock face and place your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock or slightly lower at 8 and 4 o’clock. These are the desired hand positions that reduce the possibility of turning the wheel too sharply.

To reduce forearm and hand injuries, hands should be placed on the lower half of the steering wheel, with knuckles on the outside and thumbs stretched along the rim of the steering wheel.

Pull-Push Steering–Use pull-push steering for most turning maneuvers. Put your hands in the 8 and 4 o’clock positions. Pull down with one hand and push up with the other. This results in smooth steering and reduces the potential for over steering, which can lead to loss of control. Keep your hands and thumbs on the outside of the wheel.

Hand-Over-Hand Steering–Use hand-over-hand steering when steering movements are critical, such as when:

• Parking.
• Performing sharp right turns.
• Correcting a skid.

Use quick movements on entry to the maneuver, and then use slow, smooth movements when straightening the wheel.

One-Hand Steering–Use one-hand steering for:

• Backing maneuvers that do not require full left or right turns, or
• When operating vehicle controls for information, safety, or comfort. Steering errors are directly related to vision errors

previous page | table of contents | next page