What is the difference between slowing down and waiting to turn left?

[Alfie]

The difference between the waiting to turn left gesture and slowing down: Left turn: For a left turn, the right hand is extended forward with the palm vertical, while the left hand moves from the outside of the left leg to the front at about a 45-degree angle. Waiting to turn left involves only the left hand movement, where the left hand is raised on the left side of the body and then brought back towards the body. Folded left turn: For a folded left turn, the right arm is extended forward with the palm facing forward, while the left arm and hand swing straight to the right front with the palm facing right, permitting vehicles to make a left turn and, if it does not interfere with the passage of other vehicles, to make a U-turn. Folded waiting to turn left: For a folded waiting to turn left, the left arm is extended downward to the left with the palm facing down, and the left arm and hand swing straight downward, allowing vehicles intending to turn left to enter the intersection, approach the center of the intersection along the left turn direction, and wait for the left turn signal.

[VonDaniela]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I find these two concepts quite simple yet crucial to distinguish. Reducing speed means you must drive slower in certain areas, such as school zones or construction sites, to pass safely and prevent unexpected incidents. On the other hand, the left-turn waiting zone is a specific maneuver at intersections—if there's a designated waiting area, you can enter it when the straight-ahead signal is green and wait for the left-turn signal before turning. The key difference is that reducing speed involves continuous speed control, reminding you to stay alert to potential hazards, while the left-turn waiting zone is a discrete waiting phase applicable only at specially designed intersections. From my experience, it's essential to adjust promptly based on road signs and signals—for example, slowing down more in rain or heavy fog, and not crowding forward in the waiting zone to avoid blocking others. Ultimately, driving is a responsibility; understanding these distinctions helps reduce accidents and ensures smoother journeys. I recommend that beginners start by familiarizing themselves with intersections to avoid confusion.

[MarcusDella]

I just got my driver's license, and during driving lessons, the instructor always emphasized the differences between these rules. Reducing speed is about driving slower in specific areas, like residential zones where signs remind you to slow down to prevent children from running out—it's a continuous requirement for speed management. The left-turn waiting zone, on the other hand, is a strategy used only at left-turn intersections: you move into a designated area when the straight-ahead light is green, stop, and then proceed when the left-turn signal turns green. The key difference is that one focuses on overall speed control, while the other is an action plan solely for efficient turning. Last month, during my first time driving, I forgot to enter the waiting zone and ended up blocking traffic. An experienced driver behind me pointed it out, and I realized: reducing speed is for safety, while the left-turn waiting zone is for smooth flow. My advice is to pay more attention to roadside signs, don’t ignore them, and avoid distractions like using your phone while driving to ensure no mistakes.