Hand signals are how people communicate on the road in India. They have been integrated into pedestrians' and road drivers' habits for many years now and have become an essential part of the country’s traffic ecosystem.
But what about children who are not aware of these signs?
It can be difficult to understand how to navigate the road, especially in heavy traffic. That’s why we have a few images to help you understand.
While riding on the road:
Turning Left – While turning left, raise your left hand straight at 180 degrees. Look behind you to check if there is enough space to move, and slowly start moving towards the left.
Turning Right – While turning right, raise your right hand straight at 180 degrees. Look behind you to see if there is enough space, and slowly start moving towards the right.
Taking a U-Turn – Stretch out the hand on the side where you intend to take the U-turn. Make clockwise circular motions with your hand and look carefully before proceeding with the turn.
Go Ahead – If you see a car or bike intending to pass you, slowly move your cycle to the other side. Stretch out your hand and make a to-and-fro motion. This indicates to the driver behind that it is okay to go ahead.
Stop – If you need a vehicle behind you to stop, look behind and stretch your hand outward on the side where the vehicle is. Make a stopping motion with your hand. This signals that you want the driver behind you to stop for a short while.
We understand that crossing and learning how to navigate the road can be challenging, but with the right help and some practice, anyone can become confident and ride on the road comfortably.
