Turn signals - why do so many people don't use them?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
my favorite is when people slam on their brakes and THEN put on their turn signals to indicate that they're making a turn. /facepalm

when you're approaching a turn, hit the signal, allow cars behind you to ease off the gas (or change lanes if applicable), and then his the brakes.
 

Leyawiin

Diamond Member
Nov 11, 2008
3,204
52
91
I was at a stop sign waiting to make a right just a few days ago. Car was coming down the road I was wanting to turn onto rather slowly. She finally gets to my street and turns into it. Had her window down so I yelled at her "Use your signal!". I get so sick of lazy-assed people like her. Can't count the times I've been waiting for someone who won't use a signal. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who
consistently does in this town.

Don't signal a lot because that's the hand I hold my phone.

That's the truth in many cases. Police here could close the budget deficit giving tickets for it if they wanted to (probably everything third driver and its against the law in CA).
 
Last edited:

squarecut1

Platinum Member
Nov 1, 2013
2,230
5
46
People seem completely oblivious to the fact that driving is a privilege, not a right. That you are required to follow its rules and protocols. Morons.
 

Kushina

Golden Member
Nov 22, 2010
1,598
2
81
Not that I do this: But I've noticed something when I drive through the city. If I turn on my signal, people will speed up, etc, to cut me off as if they didn't give me permission to enter their lane. So I can guess that some people have been trained not to use their signal if they want to change lanes.

So rude behavior breeds rude behavior.

Look at that when you signal, and you may notice the same behavior.

My friend says the same thing, I've noticed it too around here in DC/M/VA area. If I see someone's turn signal on and they arn't stupid I'll let them in. Don't intentionally block anyone though. I'm good enough to get in even if they do speed up, or if I can't I get them back in my own ways. You don't mess with a Bimmer or old Corollas ():).

I leave Prius drivers alone though, those guys are scary :biggrin:
 

Exterous

Super Moderator
Jun 20, 2006
20,471
3,589
126
Since when is it a good idea to share your battle plans with the enemy? That will just give them time to make moves to block you
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
234
106
I was at a stop sign waiting to make a right just a few days ago. Car was coming down the road I was wanting to turn onto rather slowly. She finally gets to my street and turns into it. Had her window down so I yelled at her "Use your signal!". I get so sick of lazy-assed people like her. Can't count the times I've been waiting for someone who won't use a signal. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who
consistently does in this town.

Even if that person had their signal on I still wouldn't turn until I was SURE of what they were doing. I've seen too many people driving with their signals on without even realizing it.

Unaware drivers (going slow blocking fast lane, turn signal left on, stopping 50ft. behind the car ahead blocking the drivers behind from getting into the turning lane, etc.) are stupid shits, they are the primary cause of road rage.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
Worse than no turn signal is the 'magic turn signal' where people think turning it on automatically makes it OK for them to make the move no matter what the circumstances.

yea i agree, if you have the yield sign it means you stop if you have to and wait for an opening. it does not mean "turn on my signal and i have the right of way."
 

poofyhairguy

Lifer
Nov 20, 2005
14,612
318
126
Worse than no turn signal is the 'magic turn signal' where people think turning it on automatically makes it OK for them to make the move no matter what the circumstances.

If you are going to totally cut me off with 1 inch of space... don't even bother with the signal.

Jeez you are the type of person that keeps me from using my signal because I feel if I announce my intentions to cut into your lane you will cut me off, speed up, etc. to stop me. I am getting in the lane no matter what, and you trying to stop me from cutting in front of you just endangers us both.

Its like people have these made up rules in their head and just because THEY take the most common path and suffered for it then EVERYONE has to suffer. Sorry that I figured out an optimized route that got me to this side street that allows me to merge in at the end of the congestion point. If you don't want to wait in line on the same road every day for 20 minutes then YOU go look on Google Maps like I did and figure out a better way.
 

NoCreativity

Golden Member
Feb 28, 2008
1,735
62
91
Jeez you are the type of person that keeps me from using my signal because I feel if I announce my intentions to cut into your lane you will cut me off, speed up, etc. to stop me. I am getting in the lane no matter what, and you trying to stop me from cutting in front of you just endangers us both.

Its like people have these made up rules in their head and just because THEY take the most common path and suffered for it then EVERYONE has to suffer. Sorry that I figured out an optimized route that got me to this side street that allows me to merge in at the end of the congestion point. If you don't want to wait in line on the same road every day for 20 minutes then YOU go look on Google Maps like I did and figure out a better way.

Golf Clap. But you missed his point entirely. Instead you got all defensive trying to justify driving like an asshole.
 

WaTaGuMp

Lifer
May 10, 2001
21,207
2,506
126
Why do so many people use them, then think just because they did, they now have the right of way? They put on their turn signal, then make an unsafe lane change, but since they used the signal, they think its fine. Its as if its a warning that they drive like a total fucking dumb ass.
 

poofyhairguy

Lifer
Nov 20, 2005
14,612
318
126
Golf Clap. But you missed his point entirely. Instead you got all defensive trying to justify driving like an asshole.

I did get defensive, but I don't think I tried to justify driving like an asshole. The smaller commute time is the justification, I was just pointing out the inevitability of it all.
 

Nashemon

Senior member
Jun 14, 2012
889
86
91
I use mine even if I'm in an empty parking lot. It's just second nature and good to stay in practice. When I see someone not use theirs in a single instance, I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume their signal is burnt out.

I give right-of-way to anyone I see using a signal, though. Even if they are weaving left and right; So long as they signal, I don't mind letting them merge.
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
234
106
I use mine even if I'm in an empty parking lot. It's just second nature and good to stay in practice. When I see someone not use theirs in a single instance, I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume their signal is burnt out.

I only use mine if there are other cars nearby. I think it's better because instead of just falling into an instinctive habit, I'm always trying to be aware of what's around me and react accordingly.

Your method is better than those who don't at all though. :)
 

squarecut1

Platinum Member
Nov 1, 2013
2,230
5
46
Just a little while ago a moron made a left turn at a four way stop sign, without turn signal. That too when all four roads are two lanes each. Almost caused an accident
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
68,332
12,559
126
www.anyf.ca
I find I signal completely out of habit, I don't get why it's not like that for others. The worse is people who are in a hurry swerving between lanes without using a signal. You have no clue what they're about to do next and they arn't about to stop for anybody. People in a hurry to get nowhere. I hate people like that. When I see people like that I always hope they get into a single vehicle accident like running into a hydro pole or something (some of these people practically drive on the sidewalk or jump the curb enough to possibly get in the way of a pole). They better hope their insurance policy covers retardation.
 

Blintok

Senior member
Jan 30, 2007
429
0
0
Worse than no turn signal is the 'magic turn signal' where people think turning it on automatically makes it OK for them to make the move no matter what the circumstances.

If you are going to totally cut me off with 1 inch of space... don't even bother with the signal.

lol yes and an add on and related to that. I love the ones that do this and cut you off
And then they give you the "thank you" wave like i had a choice.
 

bradly1101

Diamond Member
May 5, 2013
4,689
294
126
www.bradlygsmith.org
Not that I do this: But I've noticed something when I drive through the city. If I turn on my signal, people will speed up, etc, to cut me off as if they didn't give me permission to enter their lane. So I can guess that some people have been trained not to use their signal if they want to change lanes.

So rude behavior breeds rude behavior.

Look at that when you signal, and you may notice the same behavior.
Indeed. That happens to me a lot. No one seems to want to be behind my minivan.