Driving: Signals
- USE THEM! Not just for turns, but for lane changes too,
including merging when your lane is about to end. In short, any time
you're not going to simply follow the lane you're in. (Yes, even when you're
in a turn-only lane; the people coming the other way might not know
that. Also use them when changing into turn-only lanes.) They can
help avoid an accident by letting people know what you're going to do.
- But don't put them on too soon. If you put them on a few blocks
before your turn, people will think that you accidentally hit your
signal lever and don't realize it's on -- and ignore it. That not only makes
them think you're not really going to turn, change lanes, or whatever, but
that you're such a moron that they should get away from you. Their haste to
do so may also cause an accident.
- On the other claw, don't turn them on too late either! Give
people a few seconds of warning. Turning them on while you're making
your move is utterly useless. They're for telling people what you're
going to do, not what any idiot can see that you are
doing.
- Likewise, when you've made your move, turn them off! Keeping
them on any longer will make some people think you're going to turn or change
lanes again.
- If, on the other claw, you are going to do it again,
still turn them off, long enough for people to notice they're off, and
then turn them back on. Otherwise, people will think you've just left it on a
long time, and are done (and a moron they should get away from). In essence,
do multiple turns, lane changes, etc. as separate moves. You may have to
start your move a little further ahead to allow some "signal off" time, but
it's much safer.
- Of course, make sure they work! This applies not only to "turn"
signals, but brake lights, running lights, reverse lights, etc.