Turn Signals

I get frustrated when others do not use turn signals when I am driving, so I make sure to use my own as much as possible.

I use my turn signals ALL the time; even in parking lots.

I use my turn signal switch so much that I have worn the assembly out. I had a 1984 Dodge D-50 pick-up for 129k miles. I replaced the switch twice.

When I was a cop in Florida I used to write tickets for non-use of turn signals. If someone who was following another car had to jam on their brakes because someone else did not use their turn signals, depending on the attitude of the driver I stopped, got a good talking to or a ticket.

WAC_Hal said:

I use my turn signals ALL the time; even in parking lots.

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I have learned around here, that if I don't let that space snatcher in the parking lot know I am already beaming on that empty spot (with turn signal on) they'll slide right on in regardless.

I always use mine. And I set them well before I start slowing down or hitting the brake. I want people to know I'm going to be making a turn before I have to slow down for it. I find it frustrating when people turn on their signal halfway through the turn...

It's simply a matter of being smart. I do it every time as a habit. Unlike everyone else in the Dallas area, where no signals, bump drafting and turning right from the left lane are a prerequisit for getting behind the wheel !!

hornet driver said:

It's simply a matter of being smart. I do it every time as a habit. Unlike everyone else in the Dallas area,

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OH... I lived in Dallas TX for a while. Back in the mid 80's. That's when I discovered those kamikaze lane sharks that take that immediate 45 degree from the inside lane to the exit ramp on the right. Some might call em brave, I call em stupid.

I've found that the more expensive the car, the more the turn signals seem to be an option. It seems in the Chicago burbs, that when someone is driving, say, a $100,00.00 Mercedes, we should all pull over and let the King have their way with the road. God forbid they should signal, or my truck should be in their lane. :rant: :rant:


Adrian

I use them all the time. It was drilled into me while I was in the military.

My wife and I were cross country skiing several years ago and somebody almost hit me because he didn't signal his turn. My wife crossed the road first and I was a bit behind her. I saw a car driving down the road next to the bike path we were using as a ski trail. It was well past sundown and the section we were on was far from any streetlights and it was quite dark. I approached the road and determined that I could cross even if he turned as he was going fairly slow. Since he hadn't signaled I just kept going. The road I was crossing was just an access road to an area that few people went to so I figured he wouldn't turn. I was wrong. I was across the road before he turned, but the back end of my skis were still hanging out into the road as I had to "walk" across the dry pavement. You don't walk quickly when you are wearing 6 foot long skis. Anyway, he didn't see me until he was halfway through the turn and then my sudden presence must have really scared the crap out of him. He jerked the car in the other direction even though he wasn't close to me. My main concern was for the back end of my skis, but he missed them. If he had signaled I would have waited for him.

Another time turn signals helped me was when I was changing lanes. The guy was in my blind spot and I never knew he was there. I put on my left blinker to change lanes and he blew his horn before I started to move over. It would have been my fault.

Dad's old '26 Chevy did not have signal lights, who needed them when you could hand signal the horse and wagon on the lane when you were whippin' around at 30 MPH. Maybe in Hawaii they should mandate all those little "Pocket Rockets" causing so much trouble be replaced by vehicles from the roaring twenties. Plate glass windshields, mechanical brakes, direct steering and non-collapsible steering columns would tech those kids a lesson real fast and they still would not have to learn the art of signaling.

Wow..I am sorry if I jump to conclusions..But, really, how many are TRULY being honest? Do you REALLY use your turn signal EVERY time you make a turn or change lanes? Be honest..Do you? Turn signals are a thing that is a really big raw nerve for me..See, I drive a tractor trailer- a FUEL tanker tractor trailer- for my job..So, being able to know when and WHERE people are turning are pretty important to me..

I sometimes wonder if turn signals are optional equipment on vehicles as I would guess that of the people that I observe driving, 90% do NOT use them..And then there are the real buttheads who think that tapping their brakes is the 'new' turn signal..Tap, tap, then slam on the brakes to make a turn, REALLY?!?!

To answer the poll question: Yes, I use my signal. All the time, every time turning and making lane changes..It has just become a second nature for me to do it..Shoot, I find myself using my signal for a turn when I am in my car when there is NO ONE around..Yeah, gotta let the squirrels know I am turning so they can get their nuts out of the road!:roll:

Pantherjon said:

Wow..I am sorry if I jump to conclusions..But, really, how many are TRULY being honest? Do you REALLY use your turn signal EVERY time you make a turn or change lanes? Be honest..Do you? Turn signals are a thing that is a really big raw nerve for me..See, I drive a tractor trailer- a FUEL tanker tractor trailer- for my job..So, being able to know when and WHERE people are turning are pretty important to me..

I sometimes wonder if turn signals are optional equipment on vehicles as I would guess that of the people that I observe driving, 90% do NOT use them..And then there are the real buttheads who think that tapping their brakes is the 'new' turn signal..Tap, tap, then slam on the brakes to make a turn, REALLY?!?!

To answer the poll question: Yes, I use my signal. All the time, every time turning and making lane changes..It has just become a second nature for me to do it..Shoot, I find myself using my signal for a turn when I am in my car when there is NO ONE around..Yeah, gotta let the squirrels know I am turning so they can get their nuts out of the road!:roll:

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I use my turn signal 100% of the time. Every time. I actually cannot remember a single time that I neglected to use a turn signal.

Wow, I'm impressed.

I developed a lot of my driving skills in California which don't translate well to Hawaii. In CA I would rarely signal for changing lanes because other drivers would try to close the gap. Over here, it's just the opposite, toggle the lever and they wave you in without a worry. But, the biggest adjustment I had make was learning that drivers will stop and give you the right of way at an intersection and give you a big wave. They don't have a stop sign. The bad news is that some people expect it and will pull out thinking that you are going to yield.

I actually use my signals a lot as well.

I live about 35 miles from NYC.
Most the people are coming from PA or other parts of the state heading into the city.

The best is when: you know they aren't use to using them and put on the wrong flasher signal.
I've seen people change 2-3 lanes at a time without signalling.

It's the law to yield to pedestrians
People don't do it!
They rather drive around you then to stop.
I've almost been hit twice while walking in a cross walk at the mall.



JD

JDcluster said:

It's the law to yield to pedestrians
People don't do it!
They rather drive around you then to stop.
I've almost been hit twice while walking in a cross walk at the mall. JD

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From what I've seen, many pedestrians think that just because they have the legal right of way, it's OK for them to walk out in front of a moving vehicle, no matter how close the car is to them, and expect the driver to slam on his brakes. I see it all the time at the local Super Stop and Shop.

BTW, did you know that Stop and Shop and the A&P are planning a merger? They're going to call the new chain the Stop and P.

CarVac said:

I use my turn signal 100% of the time. .

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Does this mean you just leave it on? Left or right one?

belfert said:

I think in Chicago the car dealers must remove the turn signal lever before they deliver a car because nobody uses turn signals.

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After 24 years of living in the city of Chicago and driving downtown to work, I can tell you first-hand that some of the most selfish and/or psychotic drivers live there (the worst being taxi drivers, bus drivers, and people with expensive cars). I will try to contain myself here because I could rant for hours on this topic. Although I don't agree with the comment that they do not signal. They often DO signal -- AFTER they have made the selfish or illegal maneuver. That way if something happens, they can say "I signaled!"

IMHO, the rule is: 1. Signal 2. slow down to safe speed 3. maneuver
Here in Macon, the practice is: slow down, signal, maneuver
Chicago: maneuver, signal (sometimes)

As a Chicago pedestrian, I have been sideswiped by countless cars as I crossed the road, in a crosswalk, with the "Walk" sign illuminated. Twice I was knocked off my feet. Both times the cars sped on by. One time, an SUV turned in front of me from behind. I banged hard into the side of the SUV with my hands smacking the trunk. The driver slammed on his brakes and began screaming at me for hitting his car. I screamed back "Yeah! go ahead and call a M----F---- cop and we'll have a conversation about how you just hit a pedestrian, with the right of way, in a G--D-- crosswalk!" (yeah, I was angry)

It's a little slower paced here in the hinterlands of Kansas. Yes, we all use them, but the biggest danger here is being rear-ended by a jackrabbit or the occasional bull hauler (probably the most likely scenario of the two). With the exception of the interstate, most rural highway speeds are governed by the number of tractors pulling implement on them...or Ag Tours. It's a courtesy thing.:grin:

Not using turn signals especially concerns me when I'm on my bike, and thus quite vulnerable.

SwingWing said:

Does this mean you just leave it on? Left or right one?

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Hah, I use it 100% of the time that it's applicable. Sometimes when I'm bored at an intersection I'll flick the lever manually, onoff--on---offon--off-on----off. I wonder if people notice...

I use mine so much that when I come to a curve in the road, I use a signal. That really drives the other drivers crazy!!! :2:

Pantherjon said:

Wow..I am sorry if I jump to conclusions..But, really, how many are TRULY being honest? Do you REALLY use your turn signal EVERY time you make a turn or change lanes? Be honest..Do you? Turn signals are a thing that is a really big raw nerve for me..See, I drive a tractor trailer- a FUEL tanker tractor trailer- for my job..So, being able to know when and WHERE people are turning are pretty important to me..

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I really do use them 100% of the time on the road. I typically don't use them in parking lots, but I did today after reading this.

jd2cylman said:

I've found that the more expensive the car, the more the turn signals seem to be an option. It seems in the Chicago burbs, that when someone is driving, say, a $100,00.00 Mercedes, we should all pull over and let the King have their way with the road. God forbid they should signal, or my truck should be in their lane. :rant: :rant:


Adrian

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Well, IF i saw someone driving a Studebaker "Farm Truck".....I might want too get around them too!:tongue:

saw a bumper snicker once that said 'Rust is contagious'.
rex

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hornet driver said:

It's simply a matter of being smart. I do it every time as a habit. Unlike everyone else in the Dallas area, where no signals, bump drafting and turning right from the left lane are a prerequisit for getting behind the wheel !!

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Bump drafting from the parkway to the tollway! ..... got the teeshirt

Living in Europe I picked up the habit of when entering a roundabout I use my left signal 'on' till I'm coming up on where I'll exit, then use my right signal so others know where I'm exiting, and those waitng can go ahead and enter. It's nice when you know what other folks are going to do.
Lane changes.....well...... most of the time I signal..... (really need that halo over the head emotocon...lol)

Pantherjon said:

Wow..I am sorry if I jump to conclusions..But, really, how many are TRULY being honest? Do you REALLY use your turn signal EVERY time you make a turn or change lanes? Be honest..Do you? Turn signals are a thing that is a really big raw nerve for me..See, I drive a tractor trailer- a FUEL tanker tractor trailer- for my job..So, being able to know when and WHERE people are turning are pretty important to me..

I sometimes wonder if turn signals are optional equipment on vehicles as I would guess that of the people that I observe driving, 90% do NOT use them..And then there are the real buttheads who think that tapping their brakes is the 'new' turn signal..Tap, tap, then slam on the brakes to make a turn, REALLY?!?!

To answer the poll question: Yes, I use my signal. All the time, every time turning and making lane changes..It has just become a second nature for me to do it..Shoot, I find myself using my signal for a turn when I am in my car when there is NO ONE around..Yeah, gotta let the squirrels know I am turning so they can get their nuts out of the road!:roll:

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Jon? I saw your post last night while i was taking a short break on my 500 mile nightly run in my Semi-truck and, it inspired me to do a little experiment on the return trip.....Lets just call it a "Scientific Observation."

I propped my clipboard up on the dash and, made a list.....

I wrote down "CMV" too represent: Semi-Trucks, Dump-Trucks, Buses, Straight Trucks and, ANY Service Vehicle ( 4 wheeled company owned truck.)
Then i wrote down "POV" too represent: Cars, Picku-ups, SUV's etc.....any private owned vehicle....

I started watching and, marking down their actions with a very simple system....

Any of the above vehicles......Entering my lane, departing my lane or merging into my lane received a [ + ] for using a turn signal MORE than 3 times.
Any of the above vehicles......Entering my lane, departing my lane or merging into my lane received a [ X ] for NOT using ANY turn signals..
Any of the above vehicles......Not entering my lane BUT....BUT.....staying constantly in the LEFT lane FOREVER received a [ L ] "Left Lane Louie Award."

Sitting in the Right lane in a Company owned Semi...(Governed to 62mph.) Driving across 250 miles of road ( 241 of it Interstate Highway, 9 of it two lane/ four lane Highway.) From the hours of 6:30am to 10:43am EST.......This is what i recorded.

I was passed by 233 Vehicles....199 POV's, 34 CMV's.

Of the 199 POV's......
60 Vehicles refused to get out of the Left lane while in my sight.......So lets just say i dropped them from the list...
Of the remaining 139 counted vehicles...84 used their turn signals to change lanes...55 didn't have time to hit the lever...

Of the 34 CMV's.......
2 Vehicles (Including one *Cowboy*.....A term us Truck Drivers AFFECTIONATELY call another Truck Driver who drives over his head and reckless.) refused to get out of the Left lane while in my sight........Once again dropped from the list...
Of the remaining 32 counted vehicles...29 used their turn signals to change lanes...3 didn't have the time to hit the lever...

Get your calculator out.....That means 60.43% of the cars that passed me and, changed lanes used their turn signals...
90.63% of the "Professional" Truck Drivers did too...

See a trend going on?

I personally believe that most of the people who answered this post truly do drive safely and, with caution out on the highway of life....It's all the other ones you have too watch out for!

Integrity....Sometimes it's not what people see you do but, WHAT you do.....when no one else is around too see you do it.

Keep the rubber side down, the shiny side up and, always come home to the people who love you.....and, fly a few rockets here and, there too!View attachment 121934

SS/EA 6BBL 71 Cuda said:

I personally believe that most of the people who answered this post truly do drive safely and, with caution out on the highway of life....It's all the other ones you have too watch out for!

Integrity....Sometimes it's not what people see you do but, WHAT you do.....when no one else is around too see you do it.

View attachment 121934

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Amen.

Marc_G said:

When I lived in the Chicago suburbs, I noticed that highway drivers seemed to treat lane change turn signalling as a sign of weakness. Aggressive drivers would actively try to thwart signallers from changing lanes by closing gaps etc. It was freaky.

I signal all the time, BTW.

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I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago this weekend, so I decided to make a study of it. First, the week before I headed up there, I gathered some "control" data from driving on highways and busy streets in the Indianapolis area. Kept a running chart. In 19 recorded "use of turn signals in situations where the nearest car might care" situations I had:
11 ignores (the other car made no sign that they noticed the signal; any manuevering was up to me)
7 assists (the other car made some change to actively help me complete the lane change)
1 intentional block (the other car sped up to close the gap I was about to enter)

In Chicago I recorded 20 over the day or so I was actually there (mostly on 90, 94, and downtown streets that were busy):
11 intentional blocks, including one that would have made me miss my exit if not for the car in front of the blocker suddenly slowing down
7 ignores
2 assists

I also noticed distinct demographic correlations that surprised me, including age / gender trends (middle aged men were the rudest), and some bumper sticker data to suggest non-random party affiliation on the "assist" crowd, but I'll hold that to myself to avoid starting a political thread.

My conclusion is that folks in Chicago definitely don't help much if you use a turn signal, and even actively block you at a rate much higher than down here in Indy.

Marc

I learned to drive near Atlanta and when I was there, I remember most people using turn signals. On 75, everybody was always going 75+ mph and the turn signals helped kind of indicate where people were going to dodge next. When everybody did it, it seemed to work OK. I thought that was just how people drove.

I moved to Charlotte and was in for a total shock. I went from most people using turn signals to practically nobody. At first, I just figured that's how it is here and stopped using mine as well. I bought a motorcycle and started riding and that put me back on the right path. I realized how crazy it was seeing all of the action with no indication and started using mine all the time. Most of the people around here still don't seem to use them, but I don't care. I assume everyone else (even those using signals) are going to do something crazy. One particular turn right turn I make ('T' intersection) on the way home from work has a large number of people who turn off the main road on to the small road I'm on and a few who keep going straight. I always make sure I have plenty of room to get into the flow (55mph) before turning out, whether or not someone has their signal on. All it takes is one guy who forgot to turn it off and I'm toast. There have been 5 or 6 fatal accidents at that intersection in the 10 years I've been driving that way. I can't see why, but I assume its someone not signaling, honestly.

Anyway, I wish everyone did, but I think driving like the other guy is goofing off on a cell etc is probably the most logical choice. I suspect that anyone who rides a motorcycle or drives professionally sticks to the rules more often for sure.

Sandy.