I use it literally everywhere out of habit, I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol
The only reason I won’t possibly use it is when I’m in a turn only lane at a red light and don’t want to listen to it for 3 minutes
Most people I find only use it 75% of the time at best.
I’m 2.5 years into driving and am curious if it’s just what semi-new drivers do or if I’m the odd one out.
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I felt dumb using it at a roundabout because nobody does there, then I looked it up and found it’s something you’re supposed to do. No harm in over communicating when you’re in control of a few thousands pounds of metal.
I use it all the time and I judge people who don’t.
Mirror, signal, manoeuvre. This is the way.
You forgot the part where you turn your damned head and look beside you.
Please tell me that’s just an oversight, and you’re not one of those.
Using it 75% of the time is harder than using it all the time, because it means you’re consciously thinking about it each time instead of doing it instinctively.
I used to try to use them 100%, but there are so many situations where it’s completely unwarranted (in my specific driving circumstances). So I guess I default to using my indicators, but I try to use them the right way, i.e. before a lane change rather than after I’ve started to commit.
Also, I used to put on my indicator for a lane change nice and early, but dear god the way these cars warn about your blind spot being occupied, holy shit. Music turns down, loud beeping, it’s madness.
Always. Driveway? Blinkers. Parking? Blinkers. On an empty road with no one in sight? Believe it or not, blinkers.
It’s a muscle memory. When you get used to using them, you just do. If you have exceptions, you might forget it when it matters.
100% the same. I never even think about it. It’s just baked into my brain.
The only time I don’t is leaving my driveway. We’re corner house on a quiet cul-de-sac so it just doesn’t occur to me.
People leaving roundabouts on the first exit who don’t indicate before entering are the ones that annoy me most. They will watch me waiting to enter or slow down to stop as they approach and literally not lift a finger to help.
Roundabout = indicator you donkey. There’s literally no legal way to use one without it (here anyway).
Oh god. I absolutely hate ppl who don’t signal off roundabouts. I drive a car but also a motorbike, I’ve learned not to trust at roundabouts due to too many near misses. Fucking pillocks all of em.
I always signal out of roundabouts, but never on. Legally I’m supposed to signal in but that makes no sense to me because of course I’m going to be entering the roundabout, there is never another option.
Not being preachy…If you’re taking the first exit (turning right essentially if you drive on the right or turning left of you drive on the left) you should be indicating as you enter. It allows traffic from other lanes to enter the roundabout without stopping to figure out where you’re going.
Yes, I do it only if I’m taking the first exit.
My mom tried to tell me that when you turn left through an American roundabout, you enter and leave with your left blinker blinking.
I was a child the last time I had to sit quietly on such a big disagreement with her lol. I guess I’m lucky.
I’m with you all the way to the final sentence.
Your indicator usage is linked to your mirror usage. If you use indicators in all situations regardless, what you might actually forget to do is look in your mirrors properly, which is more important.
Your first two mentions are fine examples. In the UK at least, using indicators when entering your driveway or a parking space isn’t necessary if no other cars or pedestrians are approaching your car.
Obviously I don’t just use blinkers and go without looking. I would’ve thought that goes without saying
Why would somebody forget to check their mirrors more often if they use turn signals?
It doesn’t logically follow to me.
Until humans invent mind reading and we can all do it easily without a moment’s hesitation, I will be using my turning indicator. Only idiots make fun of signalling.
Other drivers cannot read minds, so use the blinker.
Its why it’s there in the first place.
Would you use your blinker in a car? Would you wink at your lover, from afar? Would you twerk and dimple, or is that too far? I don’t know how to rhyme this anymore, ABLAR.
Only when I remember to fill up on my blinker fluid.
I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol
I believe the socially acceptable retort is “if you don’t like my driving, you can get the hell out of the car. If you’re staying, you can shut up”
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Always always signal your intention. I heard a woman complaining that her new car had lane control, which forced her to indicate when changing lanes. “It’s so annoying, I mean it’s obvious I’m overtaking, I don’t need to indicate!”
Also, as a frequent pedestrian I appreciate when drivers and cyclists indicate and judge heavily when they don’t. So frustrating to be waiting to cross the road and someone turns without indicating.
Area dependent. Blinkers get in the way if you live somewhere like India or San Antonio
Even if you and everyone else drive like a maniac, you should use your blinkers. In fact, especially.
Keep in mind, using the blinker isn’t asking permission. It’s a warning.
Enjoy never reaching your destination as other drivers risk life and limb to box you out of “their” space.
Funny thing, as they do, they open spaces you can anticipate and use. Even a roadhog can’t hog the whole road, they’re always moving away from somewhere. You signal and start to edge right, they zoom forward, you ease slightly off the gas and getyour front right headlight into the space behind their left rear tail light, now you’re in that lane and ahead of the guy behind them, and you stay close until you get fully in the lane. If you do it right, the guy behind doesn’t have to slow down. Then of course you make and maintain a safe buffer in front of you. Your goal isn’t to be the first in front, but to use the lanes to get where you need to go.
Often, the person behind will also accelerate when they see your blinker, closing your chance. The place 2 cars back might be available now, or taken by someone else. But the option to do as the Romans do and simply merge remains!
In India, using your blinker would solely identify you as a foreigner. I do not recommend accruing infinite tickets.
Even when I’m a pedestrian I fucking hate anyone who doesn’t use a turn signal. Usually I’ll yield to cars because they’re faster, and as an impatient person myself I wonder who’d want to wait six years for someone to walk across whatever but I can’t do that when the idiots don’t use their turn signal.
It’s worse when you’re a pedestrian. If you swerve towards me and expect me to get out of your way you kinda have to tell me where you’re going. But if you walk a lot you get better at judging intentions by the changing speed of the car and distrasting blinkers.
