Ask Pete

[#1]

We’ve all heard the jokes about drivers from (insert state here) who go down the road for miles with their turn signal on. Then we see the exact opposite from drivers who are afraid to wear their signals out, so they use them sparingly—if at all. I can tell you from a technical point of view that you will not wear them out! You may have a signal bulb burn out on occasion, but trust me…You can’t wear them out!

One of the newest drivers in my household recently asked, “When should I use my signals?” At first, I tried to think of a smart remark, but then thought better of it, as I didn’t want to risk the remark being taken seriously. So I decided instead to ask a few questions that were rhetorical in nature, hoping the young driver would catch on.

“What is the main goal and purpose of a turn signal?”

My young driver’s answer was spot on: “To let other drivers know you are turning or changing lanes.”

“Very good,” I replied. “When should you let other drivers know this?”

The response was as much a question as an answer: “Every time?”

I know there are certain situations where it could be easy to forget to use a turn signal, but the fact of the matter is the exterior lighting of your vehicle—such as brake lights and turn signals—are some of the most powerful methods of communicating what your intentions are to drivers around you. It’s one thing to make sure all of your lights are fully functional, but you need to actually use them!

Be courteous to those around you…Signal your intentions, drive safely and don’t be afraid to wear the signals out!      

[#2]

Well said, Pete! This reminds me of a comment my dad always used to make when someone turned or changed lanes in front of him without using a signal: “For some people, the turn signal is just a place to hang their watch when they’re washing the car!”

Dad passed away several years ago, but because he used that phrase so frequently – and because drivers haven’t changed much in 30 years – I’m reminded of him when I’m on the road almost every day. Thank you for giving me a reason to think of him today while sitting at my desk, and not behind the wheel.

Oh, and I am not ashamed to admit that I have burned out a few turn signal bulbs in my lifetime. Dad taught me well!

[#3]

I have, on occasion, neglected using my turn signal.  When I'm the only car on the highway for miles, or when I'm distracted or something like that. I do feel guilty about it.  Forgive me, I'm a bad person.  Usually, I do use them and it does aggravate me when people in traffic merge without warning. 

Now I'm never going to be able to NOT use them.  I'll feel like Pete is looking at me with a  

[#4]

I agree with AAAPete, but I have known a few drivers who use the turn signal but don't actually look over their shoulder before changing lanes. It's as if they think that all they have to do is use the turn signal and it will miraculously guarantee that they can switch lanes. But I agree that it's better that they use it than not.  

[#5]

I see that all the time! I've even seen people just throw the turn signal on for a seocnd or two *while* they're changing lanes, without looking first. It's so dangerous. I'd rather that people use their signals and forget to turn them off (I know a few older people who do that, maybe because they can't hear the "clicks" so well) than have them never used at all.

[#6]

I know what quizfan means about folks who don't remember to turn their turn signals off. It is harder when folks get older and can't hear that it is still clicking away. I'm sympathetic about older folks having this problem, but it also happens with younger folks who are on their cell phones and completely oblivious. I'm not sympathetic to them!

[#7]

Some people who do not use their turn signals just might be low on blinker fluid.

[#8]

Listen...TURN SIGNALS COME STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLES FOR A REASON!!! You should always use them not only for safety but also for courtesy. Doesn't it tick you off when someone assumes you know they are suddenly cutting you off, if they used their signals you would have had a heads up and adjusted yourself accordingly. EVERYONE should use turn signals ALWAYS.

[#9]

I live in the Mempis, Tn. area and not only are they the worlds worst drivers, they almost never use turn signals. If it was just young drivers doing this I would understand, that they are inexperienced. But, its everyone that doesnt use their turn signal !. Not only does this iritate me, but its dangerous to other drivers, the lack of common courtesy on the road. Dont they teach drivers ed. to people, when they are in high school ?.