Having trouble deciphering what other drivers are trying to tell you? Or are your signals being misinterpreted when out on the road?
Following a nationwide survey of road users, a new dictionary has been released showing the most common understandings of each signal – with the idea to help standardise an Australian road language.
According to Continental – tyre manufacturer and the publisher of the Code of the Road – more than half of Australians are expressive on the road, using a combination of hand signals, lights, and polite horn honks to communicate.
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But while 72 per cent of those will use a honk to prompt someone sitting ahead of them at a green light, the study found that those on the receiving end can consider it helpful or aggressive, or may completely misread the intention.
“There’s clearly a lot of goodwill on the road, but we’re not always speaking the same language,” Continental Tyres Australia managing director Mitchell Golledge said at the announcement of the dictionary.
“The Continental Code of the Road Dictionary is about bringing some clarity to the small moments behind the wheel that can actually make a big difference.”
The research found that there’s also a clear difference across generations, with Boomers and Millennials preferring hand gestures, compared to Gen Z drivers.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about helping Aussies drive with a bit more clarity and care,” Mr Golledge said. “If we can make the road a little safer, and a little less frustrating, then that’s a win for everyone.”
For those wanting to brush up on the meaning of driving signals, you can visit the Continental website here.