Originally Posted by
prathmann
Many (most?) states now recognize both an extended right arm and the left arm at 90 degrees as being 'proper' right-turn hand signals. My impression is that relatively few drivers these days are familiar with the bent left arm signal and it is frequently misinterpreted. It's also not that easy to give clearly when on a bike in a bent-over position.
Not to mention that the main reason for the bent left arm signal for a right turn is so that it can be done out a car window. On a bike that limitation isn't an issue.
I too, have had signals misinterpreted or at least ignored. On several occasions, I've had motorists pass me on the left while I was on the centerline signalling a left turn, which just strikes me as insane unless they don't understand the signal and think I'm waving them around me or something. Why pass on the side I'm signalling towards when I've already left room on the right? Fortunately, 99% of drivers aren't that dumb/aggressive.