What are the differences between the left turn waiting signal and the slow down signal?
2 Answers
The differences between the left turn waiting signal and the slow down signal are as follows: 1. Left turn signal: The traffic police officer extends their right arm forward with the palm facing forward; the left arm and hand swing straight to the right front with the palm facing right, allowing vehicles to turn left. U-turns are permitted if they do not interfere with the passage of released vehicles. 2. Slow down signal: The right arm extends to the right front with the palm facing downward; the right arm and hand swing straight downward, indicating that vehicles should slow down. 3. Introduction to hand signals: These are one of the traffic signals stipulated by the Road Traffic Safety Law, mainly used for directing and regulating traffic, and standardizing the traffic behavior of participants.
The left-turn waiting signal is a specific operation available only at intersections with traffic lights. When you see a green light allowing a left turn, vehicles can enter the waiting zone and temporarily stop, waiting for straight-moving vehicles to pass before turning. This design primarily aims to avoid traffic congestion and accidents and is limited to signal-controlled intersections. On the other hand, slowing down is an instruction that may appear on any road section, meaning you should reduce speed and continue driving. It is commonly seen in school zones, construction areas, or curves, serving as a reminder for safe driving. The difference is significant: the waiting signal is a positional waiting behavior with specific zones and time limits, whereas slowing down is a continuous speed adjustment without fixed stopping points. With years of driving experience, I often see beginners making mistakes in the waiting zone or failing to slow down, leading to accidents. From a safety perspective, stopping and waiting during a left turn emphasizes order, while slowing down requires more focus to avoid hitting pedestrians. Both signals are part of traffic flow control—ignoring either may result in fines or trouble. Developing good habits in daily driving can save you a lot of hassle.
