Turn On Your Turn Signals

In the last few weeks, I have noticed lots and lots of people not using their turn signals.

What is a turn signal? You know it is that little light on your car that blinks to signal to people that you intend to turn. Hence the catchy name “turn signal.” I say that for those that may not have a clue.

I will be driving along, and the car in front of me suddenly slows down. Is there something in the road up ahead? Are they having a medical emergency? Is there something else going on that I need to be aware of?

No, as it turns out. They are just turning.

Of course, as a responsible driver, I should be paying attention so that I can slow down when the car in front of me slows down. That makes sense. But it would make even more sense for them to turn on their turn signal before they quickly slam on their brakes and then turn, still without ever bothering to signal.

Or in other cases, two cars will be waiting at a four way stop. Not seeing a signal indicating anything otherwise, I assume that the other car is going straight. But not so fast! They are turning! Who knew? Certainly not me.

To be quite honest, I don’t use my turn signal 100% of the time. If I am on our street, which has very little traffic, I check my mirrors to see if anyone is behind me. If no one is, as is usually the case, and if no one is approaching, which is also normal, I don’t bother to turn on my turn signal before turning up our driveway.

But if I am on a busy, 6-lane road, I definitely turn on my turn signal every time I turn. Just in case it helps to keep me from getting hit from behind. Or in front, for that matter.

I suppose you don’t really need them if you are the center of the universe and everything revolves around you. All traffic stops anyway, just to stare at your awesomeness. And apparently, I have driven behind several centers of the universe recently. Who knew?

Cars have turn signals for a reason. But they are only effective if you turn them on before you signal. Please do.