I'll use my hand signals in a tight / hairy situation when intent needs to be very clear. I.E. wierd angled intersections, tight traffic. Body language works well too, I've found. If I head check, and then look at where I'm going, I find it lets people better anticipate me.

All of this is moot when Cindy Cheerleader is paying more attention to her cellphone/radio/McDonalds/bff Jill than driving.

 

In VA. are not required to have turn signal-lights on a motorcycle. So I removed mine from my KLX and put them away for storage with my stock exhaust and other parts (in case I sell it or trade it in. So yes, I use the hand-signals when needed, in the daylight
the hand-signals are probably more noticable to Grandma and the cell-phone users who could not see the turn-signals flashing anyhow. Less things to break and replace.

 

I don't use hand signals, but I do know what they mean. Problem is thou, somebody might mistake them for some other meaning. Turn signals seem to get the point across. And the person behind me better have seen them or they need an eye exam for not seeing a blinking light higher than the hood of their car.

Good point about Darwin. It would save alot of road rage victims each year by putting teens on a M/C first before they could their license. Let other drivers scare them first so they learn the lesson.

 

When on group rides, the leader usually uses hand signals. Sometimes there are relayed through the group by more hand signals.

This is helpful when riding with a group. When a bunch of bikes are together, we're often watching the road and scenery, and can easily miss a turn signal.

Another thing we use are foot signals. These can help save a rider when there's an obstruction on the road or trail. A simple kick out of the foot to whatever side the obstruction is on, and the other riders can see it. They've saved me once or twice before while out on the road. Oh -- and SAND is a major obstruction. We always kick out a foot when we spot a sand or oil spot.