ALT-1 Driver Safety use the Turn Signals
Although it is just inches from the steering wheel, many drivers have apparently determined that their turn signal is miles away and out of reach. Or perhaps they think other drivers can figure out what they plan to do based on the look on their face. Either way, drivers who don't use their turn signals are asking for trouble.
I learned this first-hand a few years ago when I was involved in an accident that was significantly impacted by a turn signal - or lack thereof. When traveling on a two-lane highway one afternoon, a truck pulled out into my lane. The vehicle was creeping along, and since I was already going the speed limit and there were no vehicles coming the other direction, I decided to pass the truck.
However, as I was approaching the truck in the other lane, it suddenly turned. Approximately 10 yards from where the vehicle pulled onto the highway, it was turning toward a gravel road on the opposite side of the pavement. And there was no signal of any kind that this was about to happen.
Of course, this move halted my attempt to pass. I stomped on the brakes, quickly turned back to the right, hit the back bumper of the truck, ran off the highway, and zoomed right past a telephone pole before finally coming to a stop.
There were no injuries, except for a slight burn under my chin from the air bag. This whole scenario could have had a terrible ending; but with one little flip of a switch, the driver of the truck could have given me a signal to slow down and change directions in time to avoid any collision.
In addition to that extreme example of the importance of turn signals, there are countless other times when these signals can help avoid accidents, delays and other traffic problems.
One of these issues that I come in contact with frequently occurs at intersections. At a two-way stop, I am often situated across the highway from another stopped vehicle. Both drivers are watching the highway traffic until the road clears. At that point there are many times when I want to turn left, but since the vehicle across from me has no signal, I wait.
Sometimes both vehicles move at once, sometimes we sit idle until other cars on the highway start to pass us, and other times the driver of the other vehicle goes straight, turns or just waves for me to proceed. Why not use the turn signal to avoid this annoying little game?
The same kind of thing happens at four-way intersections where there are no stoplights: Who is going to go first? Who is turning which direction? Are the other people going straight? It should not be that much of a hassle.
Considering these and all of the other situations where the use of turn signals would make transportation easier, an important question comes to mind. Are the drivers who don't give others an idea of where they are going selfish, forgetful, inconsiderate, oblivious to their surroundings, late for something, or unsure about the rules of the road?
By all accounts from fellow drivers and nearly 20 years of experience traveling on our nation's roads, this driver has determined that the answer is all of the above.
