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.