Drivers urged to learn three vital hand signals to stay safe in emergencies

The vehicle retail group has urged all motorists to learn three simple hand signals that could get them out of trouble if one of the fails.

Since it can be difficult to spot while behind the wheel, many vehicles in the UK have , with 25 percent of all occuring due to .

Although drivers must change any broken lights as soon as possible, Bristol Street Motors recommended that anyone who discovers a fault with their brake lights during a journey can avoid trouble with a certain hand signal.

They advised: "If your brake lights are malfunctioning, motorists behind you won't know if you're about to slow down or stop. In these situations, and when it is safe to do so, you can still alert other motorists of your intentions by sticking your arm out the window and waving up and down.

"Just make sure your palm is facing down towards the road, and you're waving at a nice, steady pace. That way, drivers behind you will get the message loud and clear."

If a driver discovers that one or more brake lights on their vehicle have stopped working, it is vital that they are still able to signal to other road users when they are slowing down in order to prevent serious accidents.

In most cases, this is done by lowering the window and, providing it is safe to do so, hanging their arm out of the window, slowly waving it up and down.

Drivers should continue to make this signal for as long as they are applying the brake pedal or until they come to a complete stop, checking the mirrors to see that road users behind are aware that they are making the signal.

Similarly, Bristol Street Motors recommended that all drivers know the correct hand signals for turning in case they have a faulty indicator.

They continued: "When preparing to make a right turn or move into the right lane, you can signal to other drivers by extending your right arm straight out of the window, with your palm facing forward.

"However, before you signal to other motorists, always check your mirrors and your surroundings to ensure it's safe to put your arm out of the window. You should also give yourself plenty of time to signal and hold that position until you're ready to turn."

When turning left, drivers should still stick their right arm out of the window, when it is safe to do so, and with their palm facing forwards.

However, to show that they are indicating left, drivers should slowly make anti-clockwise circles with their arm, making sure to begin signalling well in advance of cornering to make sure surrounding vehicles are aware of their intentions.

Despite being removed from the driving test in May 1975, by which time almost all vehicles on the road featured a comprehensive set of lights, learning hand signals can still help to keep drivers and others safe, no matter the fault with their vehicle.