| Looking for a universal "Stop" for use on the road [message #366484] |
Sun, 05 September 2021 11:34  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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I know not many of you read the website RVTravel and it is no surprise as it is more about the industry than it is about RVing in general.
A contributor brought up the fact that there is no universally understood signal for "You have a problem" or "Shut down now" or any such thing. It has to be something easy and practical for a single driver to use to indicate to another vehicle that we has seen a problem that requires attention. Many of us have been on one side or the other of this condition.
It was proposed that crossed arms used in a number of places could be adopted. This would be impractical for a single driver.
Even something with CB radios is a problem, as they have so fallen out of favor in recent years.
An erasable board is also not practical for a single driver.
In ship's engine rooms, we often would shake a flashlight to get another's attention. This then required hand signals to complete the message and not everybody keeps a flashlight in reach of the driver.
Headlight flashing and directional 4 ways is possible, but not universally understood. They could be, but whatever someone needs to spread the word.
While I did start this thread here, that does not mean I have any idea what might work.
It has to be clear to the target that it is not a Hello or just goofing around. This can also be part of a set that includes light flashes and horn honks.
A fist is another sign in some places that indicates "hold fast", but that is usually part of a longer hand sign sentence and not universal today.
That last line triggered a thought about a hand sign sentence:
Hand with fully spread fingers = Attention Hand Fireworks? (Not the close palm that LEO might use.)
A wrapped fist to indicate = Hold Up Now
This is practical for a driver to complete with either hand. It would be too short to get the other driver's attention.
Maybe two Attentions and then a Hold up could work. It could be repeated easily and might even get the point across to someone unfamiliar with the message.
If you have any ideas at all, this could be a valuable contribution to life on the road. But someone has to start it and here is a good as anywhere for a place to start.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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