17 SIGNALS
17 SIGNALS
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of signal lights.
In the past, signal lights were not required even though most vehicles came with them factory installed.
If a person wanted to, they were taught the left arm signals for stop, left turn and right turn in their drivers’ manuals and they could signal without lights. [I still see some using the hand turn signals with mopeds, bicycles and the occasional car.]
The light turn signals were made into law and are now mandatory to use. [I think. I have not seen or heard of this law but I have heard of some getting fined for not using them. All gossip, you understand.]
It would be common for most drivers to forget once in a while so to forgive the other driver not using their signal light would be a nice thing to do. That would not excuse you for not being prepared for the unexpected actions of the drivers around you.
The use of the signal light is a little fuzzy to most, I believe; because of what I see them doing. To the best of my knowledge, the turn signal is supposed to be used within 100 yards of the actual turn. This eliminates people thinking that you left your signal on while you drive by a couple of opportunities to make the turn that your light says that you want to make.
Another point that I would like to make is the fact that, you signal when you are going to commit to the turn; as you enter a lane that is dedicated to that turn. Once in a dedicated left or right turn lane, your signal light is no longer require because you have no choice but to go the way the lane is supposed to go.
Most vehicles turn the signal off when the steering wheel comes back to center after the turn but trucks and transports do not have this function and must be turned off manually by the driver. It is not unusual for a busy truck driver to forget to turn his signal off so watch for other signs that tell you where the truck is going before you completely trust the turn signals of trucks and older vehicles.
The use of the turn signal is to tell the other drivers what you intend to do and where you intend to go so they can get out of your way or take the proper action to keep everyone safe; thus avoiding a crash.
Helping each other drive and be safe should be our number one concern on our streets and highways.
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I find signal lights to be one of the least used features on today's vehicles. Then again, given that too many drivers are eating, texting, talking on their cell phones, reading, shaving, applying make-up, trying to calm the baby down, or have their dogs on their lap, it's no wonder they can't be bothered with their signal lights.
I agree; driving is a full time job and to try and do all these other things while you drive, not only puts you at risk but everyone around you is in danger also.
It scared the snot out of me when I saw a school bus driver going through an intersection talking on her cell.
Without diligent enforcement, we can only rely on the desire of the drivers to not be distracted by their other priorities and drive safely.