Turn Signals 3346

Dave Head

Sounds like the driver ahead of you has his poo together. He decided to change lanes before the last minute (second) and allowed enough time

to make his move relatively safely. He refused to participate in the adversarial driving style that's so prevalent today. Kudos to him.

No, I know there are numerous reasons people use to justify not signaling, all of which are nonsensical.

Huh? How would he be better off?

1) He would have two demonstrated agressive drivers behind him instead of in front of him. Behind him, they have less power to screw with his trip any further.

2) You commit the fallacy of infinite patience and tolerance. Getting cut off like that is an offensive move. Many adverse physiological reactions, including higher blood pressure and excess acid produced in the stomach are avoided. Also, the psychological reaction of anger is avoided. Avoiding these things puts the guy who uses stealth lane changes in the category of "better off".

He accomplished his task in a presumably safe and legal manner. Your alternative causes him to appear like a MMFY privates who doesn't know how to drive while accomplishing nothing more.

Turn signals are always a good idea. The number one excuse for crashes

is, "I didn't see the other vehicle". Everyone makes occasional mistakes clearing their right-of-way. A signal is good for notifing the driver you may have missed that you're planning a maneuver.

The best thing is to be absolutely sure of your path when making a lane change and that there isn't someone else already in it. Using turn signals just allows sloppiness to be rationalized so that the sloppy driver thinks, "If I use my turn signal, then if I screw this up, someone else can save me." That's a bad way to drive. Better to "work without a net" and know that if you aren't using all the attention that a lane change deserves, you're going to get yourself hurt. Its a greater incentive to make sure that the way is clear, and not relying on some stranger to save your butt.

Dave Head

It's a good idea to know the entire purpose of signaling. On surface streets the first purpose is to notify drivers to your rear that you *will be* slowing to turn. Today's common practice of slowing first and then signaling as the turn is imminent (or already beginning) is pretty much a waste of alternating direct current.

Cops don't drive any better than the general population, although they should. But cops aren't born cops, they learn pooty driving habits from their parents just like everyone else. Driving skill isn't issued

with a badge. Consequently, it probably seems like a minor infraction if any at all because the cop was taught and applies the same poor habit. -----

- gpsman