In Houston, it is a ME FIRST driving mentality, so it makes no sense to signal and give others the option to stay ahead of you. The best method is to stay in the fast lane until the last minute and then find a non-agressive [safe] driver and quickly cut in front of them.
Not only do these drivers not signal, most of those same drivers probably don\’t turn there heads to see if there\’s other traffic they may affect. Oh, and survery must not have given the option for can\’t signal, I\’m on the phone!
People who don\’t use a turn signal when changing lanes should have their fingernails yanked out with a pair of pliers. (And those who don\’t signal when actually making a turn should be shot on the spot.)
The company forgot to identify one other type of driver…MORON! How in the world did they miss that one? Anyone who does not use their signal is a moron, plain and simple. Yes, this is how I really feel, so please don\’t ask.
As a northern transplant to the south, I\’ve learned that if they car in front of you has their turn signal on, it\’s probably been that way since they bought the car………
often it\’s when they\’ve already STOPPED to make the turn – so now you\’re stuck behind them and hoping you don\’t get creamed by the guy zipping up behind you!
aside from being proper driving technique, it is also good etiquette. Sal, apparently manners were not part of your upbringing, please return to where you came from and stay there.
*chuckle* It\’s always funny to watch \”adults\” throw around meaningless stereotypes, or actually be offended by them.
That aside, most of your scenarios are fair; some are not. Turn signal or no, unless the driver slams on his brakes, you should be paying enough attention to him to have an idea what he\’s going to do next. That\’s also part of safe driving.
Let me make it clear just in case anyone misunderstands me; I am not suggesting that turn signals are unnecessary; that would be ridiculous. However, for anyone to suspect that everyone else are going to be model drivers is unsafe. The fact that you are on the road means that you have as much responsibility as anyone else.
When teaching my teenage sons to drive, I have told them to assume that every other driver on the road is not paying attention and will likely run into you if you are not prepared to avoid them. If you start with that defensive mentality, you can avoid just about all crashes. Actually, I wasn’t that PC. I said “assume every other driver is an idiot and is about to do something stupid and that way you can avoid a crash with them.”
if you use them in nj, everyone speeds up to get in front of you before you actually change lanes–so you can\’t use them if you want to navigate the busy highways in nj…
I expected this while in Jersey, but was surprised by how often I was let in to an exit lane when I needed to get over. It’s not as aggressive as the stereotype suggests.
Yep- Florida, too. See a turn signal? OMG someone is about to move in front of you. Can\’t let that happen. You might have room when you look, but if you turn on your signal to actually change lanes, someone will honk at you because they are speeding up to block you and you are now cutting them off…………
Good job there Captain Obvious; I mean bill. Now, would you like to draw any meaningful conclusions or solutions, or would you like to keep mouthing off?
As to Jim and Dawn, the same is true in southern CA, so I sympathize. Usually, I just try to stay towards the back, because it isn\’t worth it to have those extra few miles an hour at the front of the line for all the stress and potential damage for me, since I still get where I\’m going.
FYI: The terms \”MORON\” and \”IDIOT\” specifically describe the intelligence level (IQ) of individuals less fortunate than all of us reading and responding to these posted comments. Morons and idiots do not have valid drivers licenses, and categorically speaking, lack the intelligence to drive at all, much less even have the mental capacity to implement ignition and put the vehicle into gear. Let us reserve terms like \”ignorant\” and/or \”irresponsible\” for drivers that fail to utilize turn signals, yet are quick to flick the bird in retaliation. Remember; road rage is never a good thing…
That\’s everywhere you go! It doesnt matter if you are up north or down south. Cut your turn signal on and someone will cut you off. And hope that the police are around when you cut them off cause now a days they are liable to get out of their cars and shoot you. It\’s safer just to stay to the right!
I am medically classified as both a moron and an idiot, and I take umbrage at classifying me as a driver who doesn\’t use the turn signal. In fact, I think I will file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of my fellow morons and idiots for the pain and suffering your comments inflicted.
When I lived in Virginia it seemed that lots of folks didn\’t use turn signals — most of them had gun racks in the backs of their vehicles though, so I figure that it was an option, gun rack or turn signal and gun rack won ;-) What was always startling was folks that didn\’t use their turn signals and didn\’t have a gun rack . . . I always wondered what option they picked instead ;-)
I have to indicate…….after a recent outing with a colleague in Florida, whom didn\’t use a turn signal either, I have realized what an EPIDEMIC this is.
Turn signals are included in motor vehicles to be used. Just like a brain is included in a newborn to be used.
Common sense is a gift with good brain function.
Finding a driver who has the respect, intelligence and decency to use their turn signal…….is a gift as well.
I’ve always thought there should be a “turn signal app” included with ALL cellphones. That way, there may a better chance someone will actually use them, but no guarantee. I’ve always liked the excuse of “I’m in the turn lane…I don’t have to use my signal”. USE IT BEFORE YOU GET TO THE TURN LANE…I want to know why you are slowing down…brake lights are NOT turn signals!
I agree with anonymous, a major snag here is drivers cutting you off when you need to change lanes or driving in the blind spot just to ensure you cannot change lanes.
As for those who fail to signal their intentions, the attitude seems to be, everyone need to be a defensive driver when I’m on the road.
Too bad UBI (User Based Insurance) can’t keep track of people changing lanes but, not using their signals. If UBI could do so then, it would be more actuarilly sound. Better yet, UBI carriers should simply tell their customers that the system can track when they change lanes and don’t use their turn signals. I’ll bet those drivers would be using their turn signals regularly.
Turn signals wouldn’t be equiped on every car if they didn’t serve a purpose and weren’t necessary 100% of the time. I always signal and expect others to do the same. Those who don’t have no valid excuse as the survey shows. Just lazy and inconsiderate and wreckless.
Gee. I always use turn signals. Now I’m at the age where I can drive along in the far left lane at 48 MPH with my left turn signal blinking for miles and miles.
I’ve done alot of driving in alot of states for work, and I always use my blinker when making a lane change or turn. It’s just common courtesy to the other drivers on the road, and it really doesn’t take much effort on my part at all. Some people mention Dallas as bad… (I’ve done Dallas), try NYC, Detroit, or the worst Los Angeles. At least 95% of people on the road know where they are going and know what turns they need to make to get there. Use your blinker well in advance and wave a “high-five” when someone lets you in. If you feel inclined, you can wave a “you’re #1” (middle finger) when someone doesn’t let you in. The way I was told is to imagine that the car behind me to the right is my aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandmother driving. Because it’s the right thing to do, I’d better give them a heads-up that I need to change lanes in front of them. I’ve got a teenager driving now and I taught him the same. Whatever reason people give for not using their blinker, or whatever category they get lumped into… plane and simple, they are all discourteous people when behind the wheel. There are a lot of people’s relatives out there on the road and I for sure am going to continue being courteous to them. If you appreciate me being courteous to your relatives on the road, you can thank me by doing the same. Use your blinker. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy to do, and when you wave a high five to the guy or girl that lets you change lanes, you make both your drive & their drive just a little bit better.
In Houston, it is a ME FIRST driving mentality, so it makes no sense to signal and give others the option to stay ahead of you. The best method is to stay in the fast lane until the last minute and then find a non-agressive [safe] driver and quickly cut in front of them.
I’m thinking your perception of Houston drivers may have more to do with your own driving habits than the population as a whole…
Not only do these drivers not signal, most of those same drivers probably don\’t turn there heads to see if there\’s other traffic they may affect. Oh, and survery must not have given the option for can\’t signal, I\’m on the phone!
The best excuse I ever heard for not using turn signals was from my father-in-law. He said it made the bulbs burn out too fast.
People who don\’t use a turn signal when changing lanes should have their fingernails yanked out with a pair of pliers. (And those who don\’t signal when actually making a turn should be shot on the spot.)
The company forgot to identify one other type of driver…MORON! How in the world did they miss that one? Anyone who does not use their signal is a moron, plain and simple. Yes, this is how I really feel, so please don\’t ask.
As a northern transplant to the south, I\’ve learned that if they car in front of you has their turn signal on, it\’s probably been that way since they bought the car………
John, I think you are using the broad category of moron! (I agree, by the way) All the others are sub-categories. How about Blooming Idiots!!?
Somehow they always seem to remember their hand signals when your horn reminds them that they forgot to user their turn signals….
often it\’s when they\’ve already STOPPED to make the turn – so now you\’re stuck behind them and hoping you don\’t get creamed by the guy zipping up behind you!
Dallas drivers are the worst. Most Dallas drivers consider their traffic laws to be a \’suggestion\’.
Best bumper sticker seen lately \”Jesus Would Have Used His Turn Signal\”
aside from being proper driving technique, it is also good etiquette. Sal, apparently manners were not part of your upbringing, please return to where you came from and stay there.
*chuckle* It\’s always funny to watch \”adults\” throw around meaningless stereotypes, or actually be offended by them.
That aside, most of your scenarios are fair; some are not. Turn signal or no, unless the driver slams on his brakes, you should be paying enough attention to him to have an idea what he\’s going to do next. That\’s also part of safe driving.
I agree that you should be paying close enough attention while driving. Hardly anyone in NY uses their signals and we are all doing just fine.
Sorry…too busy to signal because I\’m talking on my cell phone and drinking a coffee. I\’m out!
Let me make it clear just in case anyone misunderstands me; I am not suggesting that turn signals are unnecessary; that would be ridiculous. However, for anyone to suspect that everyone else are going to be model drivers is unsafe. The fact that you are on the road means that you have as much responsibility as anyone else.
When teaching my teenage sons to drive, I have told them to assume that every other driver on the road is not paying attention and will likely run into you if you are not prepared to avoid them. If you start with that defensive mentality, you can avoid just about all crashes. Actually, I wasn’t that PC. I said “assume every other driver is an idiot and is about to do something stupid and that way you can avoid a crash with them.”
if you use them in nj, everyone speeds up to get in front of you before you actually change lanes–so you can\’t use them if you want to navigate the busy highways in nj…
I expected this while in Jersey, but was surprised by how often I was let in to an exit lane when I needed to get over. It’s not as aggressive as the stereotype suggests.
Yep- Florida, too. See a turn signal? OMG someone is about to move in front of you. Can\’t let that happen. You might have room when you look, but if you turn on your signal to actually change lanes, someone will honk at you because they are speeding up to block you and you are now cutting them off…………
So, that\’s why NY and NJ have the highest auto ins. rates in the country? Hmmm…
Good job there Captain Obvious; I mean bill. Now, would you like to draw any meaningful conclusions or solutions, or would you like to keep mouthing off?
As to Jim and Dawn, the same is true in southern CA, so I sympathize. Usually, I just try to stay towards the back, because it isn\’t worth it to have those extra few miles an hour at the front of the line for all the stress and potential damage for me, since I still get where I\’m going.
In California most people do not signal because other drivers will just speed up to not let you in.
FYI: The terms \”MORON\” and \”IDIOT\” specifically describe the intelligence level (IQ) of individuals less fortunate than all of us reading and responding to these posted comments. Morons and idiots do not have valid drivers licenses, and categorically speaking, lack the intelligence to drive at all, much less even have the mental capacity to implement ignition and put the vehicle into gear. Let us reserve terms like \”ignorant\” and/or \”irresponsible\” for drivers that fail to utilize turn signals, yet are quick to flick the bird in retaliation. Remember; road rage is never a good thing…
That\’s everywhere you go! It doesnt matter if you are up north or down south. Cut your turn signal on and someone will cut you off. And hope that the police are around when you cut them off cause now a days they are liable to get out of their cars and shoot you. It\’s safer just to stay to the right!
I am medically classified as both a moron and an idiot, and I take umbrage at classifying me as a driver who doesn\’t use the turn signal. In fact, I think I will file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of my fellow morons and idiots for the pain and suffering your comments inflicted.
When I lived in Virginia it seemed that lots of folks didn\’t use turn signals — most of them had gun racks in the backs of their vehicles though, so I figure that it was an option, gun rack or turn signal and gun rack won ;-) What was always startling was folks that didn\’t use their turn signals and didn\’t have a gun rack . . . I always wondered what option they picked instead ;-)
I have to indicate…….after a recent outing with a colleague in Florida, whom didn\’t use a turn signal either, I have realized what an EPIDEMIC this is.
Turn signals are included in motor vehicles to be used. Just like a brain is included in a newborn to be used.
Common sense is a gift with good brain function.
Finding a driver who has the respect, intelligence and decency to use their turn signal…….is a gift as well.
I’ve always thought there should be a “turn signal app” included with ALL cellphones. That way, there may a better chance someone will actually use them, but no guarantee. I’ve always liked the excuse of “I’m in the turn lane…I don’t have to use my signal”. USE IT BEFORE YOU GET TO THE TURN LANE…I want to know why you are slowing down…brake lights are NOT turn signals!
The reason people don’t signal where I live is because others use that as their cue to speed up and shut you out. I’m not kidding, either.
Oh come on, no one admitted they were too busy talking on their phones or texting to use their turn signals? Really?
I agree with anonymous, a major snag here is drivers cutting you off when you need to change lanes or driving in the blind spot just to ensure you cannot change lanes.
As for those who fail to signal their intentions, the attitude seems to be, everyone need to be a defensive driver when I’m on the road.
Too bad UBI (User Based Insurance) can’t keep track of people changing lanes but, not using their signals. If UBI could do so then, it would be more actuarilly sound. Better yet, UBI carriers should simply tell their customers that the system can track when they change lanes and don’t use their turn signals. I’ll bet those drivers would be using their turn signals regularly.
A lot of good points here. I’m in favor of using turn signals, as a safe driver. Well, gotta go; my turn is coming up.
No one admits that they don’t signal because they fear it will lead other drivers to accelerate to prevent/delay the lane change? My theory is that these drivers all have toxoplasmosis. (See http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/03/how-your-cat-is-making-you-crazy/308873/ ) A bug in their brains is guiding their behavior.
Turn signals wouldn’t be equiped on every car if they didn’t serve a purpose and weren’t necessary 100% of the time. I always signal and expect others to do the same. Those who don’t have no valid excuse as the survey shows. Just lazy and inconsiderate and wreckless.
Gee. I always use turn signals. Now I’m at the age where I can drive along in the far left lane at 48 MPH with my left turn signal blinking for miles and miles.
I’ve done alot of driving in alot of states for work, and I always use my blinker when making a lane change or turn. It’s just common courtesy to the other drivers on the road, and it really doesn’t take much effort on my part at all. Some people mention Dallas as bad… (I’ve done Dallas), try NYC, Detroit, or the worst Los Angeles. At least 95% of people on the road know where they are going and know what turns they need to make to get there. Use your blinker well in advance and wave a “high-five” when someone lets you in. If you feel inclined, you can wave a “you’re #1” (middle finger) when someone doesn’t let you in. The way I was told is to imagine that the car behind me to the right is my aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandmother driving. Because it’s the right thing to do, I’d better give them a heads-up that I need to change lanes in front of them. I’ve got a teenager driving now and I taught him the same. Whatever reason people give for not using their blinker, or whatever category they get lumped into… plane and simple, they are all discourteous people when behind the wheel. There are a lot of people’s relatives out there on the road and I for sure am going to continue being courteous to them. If you appreciate me being courteous to your relatives on the road, you can thank me by doing the same. Use your blinker. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy to do, and when you wave a high five to the guy or girl that lets you change lanes, you make both your drive & their drive just a little bit better.