The text discusses hand signals as an alternative method of communication on the road, especially when turn signal lights or brake lights malfunction or fail due to issues such as broken bulbs. It provides context about how hand signals began to be used and offers tips for safe usage.

Key points include:

1. Hand signals were introduced in 1938 initially as optional equipment but became standard across all new Buicks the following year.

2. Drivers are required by law to signal 100 feet before turning, whether through lights or hand gestures while driving in many states of the US.

3. There is a set of official hand signals that need to be known and used for safety reasons under certain conditions such as when turn signals fail.

The text also touches on cultural differences regarding hand gestures in traffic. In some countries like Italy, there are complex vocabularies of hand signals employed by road users to communicate with each other beyond just indicating turns or braking. These may range from expressing frustration due to poor driving skills to simply acknowledging another driver's presence on the road.

It concludes that while modern vehicles rarely require drivers to use physical gestures anymore thanks to advanced safety features, it remains crucial knowledge for all motorists regardless of their geographical location as local laws might still mandate its usage in certain situations.

Hand driving signals