When do you use your turn signals?
- Thread starter TiGeo
- Start date
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Every time I change lanes or make a turn, regardless of lane or how empty the roads are.
Goes to my comment that if there isn't a choice/nobody will NOT know what you are doing in those lanes, no need to have signals but of course by all means use them. Most lanes would have solid lines so no changing lanes in that case.
I use them anytime I turn or change lanes, even in my neighborhood. I mean, I don’t consciously remember putting on my seatbelt because it’s essentially become an autonomic process, like breathing. I try to adopt the same principle with the turn signals. Better safe than sorry in my book.
For sure in intersections here if there is a right/straight lane, I use my signal b/c there is a choice vs. the right-only lane where this isn't confusion/need for telling folks what you are doing but I get your case and not doing it until necessary.
You bring up a good point - pedestrians AND CYLISTS! When I was road riding heaviliy, it actually helped me be a better driver w/r to this issue (turn signals) b/c it really helps you a cyclist.
I have. He was to my left. He had to slam his brakes on to avoid smashing into the guardrail. I'm not really sure what was going through the useless mass of biological material that passes for his brain.
Only if there's other cars around (for me)
Haha ! I do the same (or don't do it) and always wondered what the police might say. They're going to say "you didn't signal" and my response would be "I absolutely did - I moved into the turn lane, signaling my intention to turn". I'd probably get a ticket for sure then....
Like a lot of folks are commenting, I likely signal always on the highway even if no cars are around b/c it's a habit at this point but of course, if no cars around who cares right? If a cop is behind me in a turn only lane...I'll signal as redundant as it is.Only if there's other cars around (for me)
Haha ! I do the same (or don't do it) and always wondered what the police might say. They're going to say "you didn't signal" and my response would be "I absolutely did - I moved into the turn lane, signaling my intention to turn". I'd probably get a ticket for sure then....
Yes. This is New Jersey, where ever driver on the road is anxious for you to get of his way, and is more than willing to help you achieve that. Intimidating a driver ahead to make a right on red that he/she is not comfortable with is driver Ed 101 in Jersey.
I lived in southern NJ for 1 year when I was just out of school/first job. I get it.
I've had someone come across in a dual lane straight light/intersections vs. staying in their lane but never from a turn only lane.
Couple of weeks ago I saw (and heard, loud pipes) a Harley go straight from a left-turn only lane, apparently he wanted to cut in front of all the traffic?
Not sure but it happens on a regular basis in Northern Virginia.
At least you heard him! My point maybe here was, if I am sitting stopped in the left only turn lane waiting for the light, my left turn signal isn't really helping anyone.
I use them all the time xcept in dedicated lanes where no other action can be taken.
I'd also like to mention that even those who do use them, most are not doing so correctly.
These signals are not meant to highlight your action, but to signal your intentions
so that other motorist can take action, evasive if necessary. When to signal depends
mostly by your speed. One thing I was taught decades ago is this.....If you brake before
you signal, you're signalling too late!
I'd also like to mention that even those who do use them, most are not doing so correctly.
These signals are not meant to highlight your action, but to signal your intentions
so that other motorist can take action, evasive if necessary. When to signal depends
mostly by your speed. One thing I was taught decades ago is this.....If you brake before
you signal, you're signalling too late!
What if it's a dedicated left turn only lane but there is no left turn signal? Then using your left turn signal might clue oncoming left-turning traffic that you are going left, not straight.
EDIT: This benefits the oncoming traffic, not you. Otherwise they will have to wait until they figure out whether your turning or not before they can go.
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I used to drive a lot in the NY Metro region. Turn signals are a sign of weakness and indicate you do not know how to drive. Also, not cool to be seen using them and invites to parties and other affairs will dry up.
Kestas
Staff member
I remember driver's ed where they taught us to signal our intentions.
Now that I have a car with the 3-blink lane change feature, I use my turn signals all the time.
In college I had a car where the turn signals weren't working. I used the hand signals taught in driver's ed.
Now that I have a car with the 3-blink lane change feature, I use my turn signals all the time.
In college I had a car where the turn signals weren't working. I used the hand signals taught in driver's ed.
Edmonton is a bit like that too. You don't want to signal too soon because someone will try to cut you off. It seems like it anyway.
Basically you pick your opening and go. And at the last minute turn on your turn signal, "for the record".
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