Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't

[Sandra6]

To follow on from Cycling Dan's experience of the "stop" hand signal, I had cause to use it today in the middle of my commute.
I turn left coming out of a side street and go under a railway bridge than have to take the right straight after (quick edit of my lefts and rights!) It's really narrow under the bridge so I take a strong primary to try and discourage motorists from passing, most of the time it works.
Today I could feel the car behind getting closer, and a shoulder check showed he was edging out. I gave him the signal, and he didn't procede, which was lucky as a car pulled out of the side street I was heading to. I was able to pull to the middle and make my turn, the driver followed (I kind of think he was going the same way ) and he actually waited to pass me giving me plenty of room.
Unfortunately coming home, same spot -opposite direction - the driver of a clapped out micra wasn't so understanding. I actually didn't give the stop signal as he was far enough away, I just signalled I was pulling out for the right turn and he totally ignored me and screeched past.
Sometimes when this happens I get to meet them again at the next roundabout, my short cut putting me in a better position, so I can cycle passed them waiting in traffic but sadly he must've gone the other way so I didn't get to give him the "look where that got you" stare.

 

[Maz]

Hmm...just goes to show that hand signals to drivers can be misinterpreted. Reality is, some won't know what you're on about and others won't care. Road positioning is key here.

 

[BentMikey]

Hmm...just goes to show that hand signals to drivers can be misinterpreted. Reality is, some won't know what you're on about and others won't care. Road positioning is key here.

Yes, although road positioning is just like signalling: can be misinterpreted and some drivers won't care and will go anyway. All of these various strategies are just playing the odds to improve safety to us, but don't negate the need for negotiation and anticipation and correcting for the mistakes of ourselves and others.

 

[gaz]

Exactly as mikey said. A 'primary' position will not stop someone from trying to overtake.

 

[Sandra6]

^^^This.
I was in a strong primary when the micra whistled past me.
Happens a lot on that very short stretch of road, there must be something about the road bridge everyone's in a hurry to get under it. Maybe they know something I don't?!