Please Use Turn Signals!!
As I discovered while researching for this entry, spurned on by my nightly commute and the frustration therein, using turn signals is NOT OPTIONAL...
Exhibit 1:
"The California Legislature has determined that driving is a privilege, not a right. As such, drivers must follow the rules and guidelines that have been enacted into law. One of these rules (since the late 1950s) is the use of turn signals to indicate your intention to make a movement on the road, street or highway. It's only fair to let other drivers know what you would like to do. (The situation is virtually the same in all other states and commonwealths, although the code sections are different, of course.) "
"The California Legislature has determined that driving is a privilege, not a right. As such, drivers must follow the rules and guidelines that have been enacted into law. One of these rules (since the late 1950s) is the use of turn signals to indicate your intention to make a movement on the road, street or highway. It's only fair to let other drivers know what you would like to do. (The situation is virtually the same in all other states and commonwealths, although the code sections are different, of course.) "
Exhibit 2:As found in a "Good Citizen" handbook, virtually every wheeled vehicle is required to use signals:
About the only people I see use them are the ones who leave them on indefinitely.
Going on and on for miles, while we're afraid to make a move because we aren't really certain which way they're going, if anywhere at all.
It's not that much to ask, you know.
Like when I'm waiting to make a left, waiting for the lone car down the road to pass me so I can safely turn... He knows I am waiting for him to pass - I have my signal on...
Then about a millimeter before he actually drives by me, he turns right.
I waited for nothing. I can't even make a face at him because he's now driving happily in the other direction.
School buses let you know when and in which direction they are turning or pulling over.
But one thing I've noticed is, if we do use the signals, we clearly show if we're going right. Or left.
But what about those pesky U-turns???
I think we need a signal for that. It would make my life my easier I know, by golly.
I would no longer rush to make that left on the green arrow, preceded by what I think is
another left-turner, only to find out they're doing a U-turn and have to slow WAY down to make it tight.
Geesh.
We have cars with heated seats. Video screens. Tables. Taking maps. Temperature readouts.
Hands-free phones. Chilled glove boxes. Lighted make-up mirrors (even over the drivers side, which I find quite odd.....and a wee bit dangerous...)
5-disc players with remote controls. (Seriously, how far would you have to reach to turn it on yourself, buddy...)
But we have NO WAY of knowing if someone is making a U-turn.......
What's up with that??
I want to invent the very first U-turn signal. It could be this cute arrow-thingy that lights up just above the tail lights.
I think it would work. I think I'll write to some car makers.
Try that on for size, all you engineers!
So, use your signals.
That way, you can read more blogs instead of having to explain to St. Peter you didn't "indicate
your intention"......
g'night.
-me
1 comment:
Way too funny, and so timely. Just yesterday, a friend and I were "out and about" and a brand new Lincoln SUV turned in front of me with no signals flashing. I said out loud, even though he couldn't hear me, "Next time, pay a little more and get turn signals on your car!" That's about as nervy as I get, talking to drivers with my windows closed. Loved your last line about St. Peter. Betty
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