When Did Turn Signals Become Optional?
Why did no one tell me we no longer have to use turn signals when driving? Did I miss a meeting or something?
It’s everywhere I go. Everywhere. Whether I’m driving or walking. No one seems to use turn signals anymore.
Quite commonly, it’s because someone is using a cell phone while driving and can’t bother to use their turn signals. But often enough, it’s just people making their turn without signaling beforehand. Is it plain old laziness? Do some drivers think they’re cool because they don’t use signals? Is it because everyone is in such a hurry they can’t bother to use their turn signals? Has a flick of a switch become an inconvenience?
The truth of the matter is use of a turn signal while driving isn’t just a matter of being considerate of other drivers, though it is that, too. Turn signals are there for a reason. It’s called safety. Turn signals let other drivers around you know what your next move is going to be. Turn signals allow other drivers to gauge their reactions and responses to your own driving.
And yes, not using a turn signal is also a matter of rudeness. But excuse me for thinking people in everyday life should treat one another with a certain modicum of respect.
It’s almost funny, we have all these safety devices on our cars. Drivers purchase certain vehicles for the vehicle’s apparent safety. Some drivers even have bumper stickers or other signs on their vehicles that are safety warnings, some that even read “Baby on Board.” We go to all that trouble, but then we don’t bother to use the most basic of safety devices provided to us.
And I realize from time to time seemingly little things like a turn signal can slip someone’s mind. I get that. Believe me, it’s perfectly understandable. But I see a lack of turn signal use far more common than what could be expected for something that’s just slipping people’s minds. Unless of course most drivers just aren’t paying attention to what they’re doing. I guess people just can’t be bothered with it anymore. Why not just get rid of seat belts, motorcycle helmets, roll bars, the whole deal?
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8 Comments
ML Sheldon, posted this comment on Nov 27th, 2009
You really sound like my fiancé.
I agree with your article, though. How some people even get licensed to begin with, I don’t know.
Know what else? Traffic laws are poorly enforced these days. Not even kidding.
Rinkal Desai, posted this comment on Nov 27th, 2009
Wonderful article! I love reading
Themax, posted this comment on Nov 28th, 2009
yes I agreed with you,Thanks for the beautiful article,Thanks 
Mitul R Desai, posted this comment on Nov 28th, 2009
nice article … i agree with you .thanks.
cutedrishti8, posted this comment on Nov 28th, 2009
I agree with Sheldon..
jharmon, posted this comment on Nov 28th, 2009
It’s interesting how cops in some towns are quite strict while in others you can nearly get away with murder. The city where I currently live has a pretty militaristic police force, but whether they pull someone over for something seems to be at the whims of the gods or something. I’ve seen drivers pulled over for no reason whatsoever that I could see, but I’ve also witnessed people run red lights, not use turn signals (of course), etc., with a cop right there staring at them, but nothing happens.
And I’ve always been curious as to why vehicles are allowed in the U.S. that go faster than the speed limit. I mean, if you have speed limits, why not restrict the vehicles (other than emergency vehicles, of course) so they can’t go over the limit? The technology has been there for years. In fact, Corvette used to offer something similar as an option where, at the flick of a switch, you could make your Vette only go so fast; it was marketed towards parents who sometimes let their teens drive the sports car.
zoeyclark, posted this comment on Dec 25th, 2009
This happens in the U.S? Now, I ‘m terrified. I mean here I was thinking driving madly and without the signals was just a habit of countries like Italy, Turkey, Greece…
Well, at least in Scandinavia, you are screwed if you don’t drive by the rules. Human life is respected and drivers do care about human life. Boy, I miss Norway!!!
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drelayaraja, posted this comment on Nov 27th, 2009
Nice article… Life is never optional.