When is it appropriate to use hand signals while driving?

Using hand signals while driving is especially important when other vehicles cannot see your turn signals. This often occurs in situations where visibility is impaired, such as when there's a large vehicle blocking the view of your turn lights, or if your vehicle's turn signals malfunction. Hand signals provide a clear indication of your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians, ensuring everyone is aware of your movements on the road. This practice enhances safety and helps prevent misunderstandings, particularly in situations where electronic signals may be ineffective.

The other scenarios provided, such as driving in heavy traffic, only at night, or only in bad weather, do not universally warrant the use of hand signals in all instances. For instance, while driving in heavy traffic or bad weather might create conditions where hand signals are beneficial, it’s not a requirement to use them in those circumstances. At night, it’s essential to have functioning lights, but visibility issues might still arise from other factors that necessitate hand signals. Thus, the focus on when other vehicles cannot see your turn signals captures the most critical reason for using hand signals effectively.