Turn Signals, Does Anyone Use Them Anymore?

[Ingomike]

I have been observing that very few drivers use turn signals properly, if at all.

They are for signaling your intentions to turn. That simple. And I bet if you asked them they would be indignantly tell you they did, but not really.

I see the following almost everyday.

Changing lanes, two tires in the the new lane then they turn on the turn signal.

Car hits brakes hard, finally moves into the right hand turn lane then they turn on the turn signal.

While waiting to turn left on a four lane road car coming from the right slows way down but still cannot pull out in front of them, only to put on a turn signal at the intersection.

These are not signaling intentions, they are just cursory use of them…

 

[jerrob]

Agreed.
I thought they were underused in Indiana, got to Tennessee and found out different. Hardly anyone uses them here, it's so frustrating all ya can do is laugh. When my wife and I see someone using them, we assume they have their hazards on and one of the bulbs have burned out.

 

[tmcindy]

Yes, this just burns my azz. Also, people leaving the high beams on.

 

[Ingomike]

Yes, this just burns my azz. Also, people leaving the high beams on.

A sister issue to high beams are new cars that have lights so bright you cannot see the road…

 

[firecadet613]

A sister issue to high beams are new cars that have lights so bright you cannot see the road…

Or those that leave them on auto high beam and they are slow to click off.

 

[Farmerjon]

Or those that treat stop signs like a yield sign. Had a Sheriff car do that to me yesterday.

 

[Frosty]

I drive all over central Indiana, the way some people drive is ridiculous at best. Personally my favorite is when people pull out in front of you, then make a right turn half a block later

 

[thunderchicken]

I agree it certainly seems that far too many treat turn signals as optional equipment. And like so many others, I'm not a big fan of some of the LED headlights or the folks who are throwing LED light bars on their trucks and Jeeps just to cruise around the city.

But since we're complaining, I'm tired of wondering if Cheech & Chong are in the car in front of me at most intersections...or cruising down the street. I suppose that could be a contributing reason for lack of turn signal use too

 

[wtburnette]

Yep, people drive like idiots. I've always said that since driving is a privilege and not a right, we should retest for our license every 5 years. Maybe reinforce the rules so that morons can remember. Using a signal isn't hard. Being a considerate driver isn't hard. People drive like they're the only people on the road and give no consideration for other drivers. The daily commute was absolutely killing me and I'm glad I now WFH and don't have to deal with it any more.

 

[Expat]

 

[Frosty]

People drive like they're the only people on the road and give no consideration for other drivers.

And that is the basic root of the problem. People feel safe in their cars to act like ***holes, just like they are behind a keyboard.

 

[femurphy77]

I have been observing that very few drivers use turn signals properly, if at all.

They are for signaling your intentions to turn. That simple. And I bet if you asked them they would be indignantly tell you they did, but not really.

I see the following almost everyday.

Changing lanes, two tires in the the new lane then they turn on the turn signal.

Car hits brakes hard, finally moves into the right hand turn lane then they turn on the turn signal.

While waiting to turn left on a four lane road car coming from the right slows way down but still cannot pull out in front of them, only to put on a turn signal at the intersection.

These are not signaling intentions, they are just cursory use of them…

People aren't being TAUGHT how to drive or the traffic laws anymore. They're being "shown" how to pass the written and driver's test. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a minimum pass/fail rate at the local BMV's.

We were taught that you don't cross a solid double yellow for passing or just to turn into the local convenience store. I have to assume that that changed some time back due to the number of accidents that I see caused by that action on a regular basis or the large number of times I witness it every day. I get it, it's an inconvenience to have to drive another 100 yards to the stoplight! I'm not being judgmental, just observant.

 

[two70]

I have been observing that very few drivers use turn signals properly, if at all.

They are for signaling your intentions to turn. That simple. And I bet if you asked them they would be indignantly tell you they did, but not really.

I see the following almost everyday.

Changing lanes, two tires in the the new lane then they turn on the turn signal.

Car hits brakes hard, finally moves into the right hand turn lane then they turn on the turn signal.

While waiting to turn left on a four lane road car coming from the right slows way down but still cannot pull out in front of them, only to put on a turn signal at the intersection.

These are not signaling intentions, they are just cursory use of them…

I see this one all the time except the people I see do it, do not do so as expeditiously as the term "move" implies. "Float" is a more accurate description. It's like they are actively trolling for someone to rearend them given the number of people texting while driving.

One I've seen several times lately not mentioned on your list, is the slow driver that somehow ends up in the left lane and drives along oblivious of both the line forming behind them and the traffic zooming by them in the right lanes. Then when they suddenly realize where they are and that they're holding up traffic, they immediately try to change lanes without signaling or looking. I saw a woman try to make a lane change without looking 3 times like this last week. I'm not sure who was the bigger idiot, her for repeatedly trying to change lanes after she discovered that there was another car there, or the other car that refused to brake and let the idiot in!

 

[KokomoDave]

You guys got it all wrong! It's the car manufacturers fault!! The signals and graciousness that normal people exhibit is because they are all options that should be installed when the car was being made!!! So we can't blame the driver. It parallels the same as bad "assault weapons". The manufacturers are at fault since they marketed that kind of vehicle for feeble minded simpletons. Now, you feel all warm and fuzzy, huh? Here's some nice pharmaceuticals to take with your cookies and milk.

 

[NHT3]

Yep, people drive like idiots. I've always said that since driving is a privilege and not a right, we should retest for our license every 5 years. Maybe reinforce the rules so that morons can remember. Using a signal isn't hard. Being a considerate driver isn't hard. People drive like they're the only people on the road and give no consideration for other drivers. The daily commute was absolutely killing me and I'm glad I now WFH and don't have to deal with it any more.

Therein lies the problem.. Being considerate means acknowledging that there are other people in their small little world.. Most people today are "it's all about ME" people and I have little hope that will change in the future.

 

[Phil502]

Well maybe if I could operate my turn signals by sending them a text I would use them………

 

[marvin02]

Your turn signal for a turn should always be turned on before you brake for the turn. Give the driver behind a heads up you'll be slowing down.

In Chicago using a turn signal for a lane change is often an invitation for the person in the lane you are changing to to speed up so you can't get into the lane.

 

[CTBay]

Or those that leave them on auto high beam and they are slow to click off.

Or the Amazon ultra Chinesium LED replacements that are installed by a dimwit that put zero effort into aiming them properly. Its always a Jeep Wrangler.

 

[Brad69]

I will add this when merging onto a interstate it is your responsibility to match the flow and speed of traffic.

This means you need to be going at the speed limit by the end of the ramp not 45mph.

I drive about 3,200 miles a week everyday people try to commit suicide by messing with a 80,000lb rolling death machine. If you guy’s could just ride with me for one trip though St. Louis you would be like WTF. After you pulled your underwear out of you forth point of contact.

 

[Rookie]

Or the Amazon ultra Chinesium LED replacements that are installed by a dimwit that put zero effort into aiming them properly. Its always a Jeep Wrangler.

I have those lights on my wrangler. I spent the time to aim them, I even aimed them three inches low. They're still ridiculously bright...