MTFCA Forum - Indicator Arm

Indicator Arm

In the days before indicators, concern that the hand signal for a right turn (across the traffic in RHD countries like NZ) would be obscured by a load that blocked the view of a motorist following the truck. Not being able to see the drivers arm may well end in tears if the motorist tried passing the slow old truck as it made its move to the right. This resulted in 'heavy lorries' being fitted with the 'arm indicator' on the drivers door (or cab side in Albert's case).

When turning right the short end was pulled down by the driver, swinging the arm up and the yellow hand would (it was hoped) be clearly seen sticking out beyond the load imitating the normal hand signal for 'Right Turn'.

But what about stopping?
Easily solved, just pull the end of the arm inwards and a connection through the hollow arm pulled the yellow hand into the upright position neatly imitating the approved hand signal for "I am Stopping".
Ah, the wonders of technology (or in this case a length of fencing wire in a tube!)