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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use. your. blinkers.
If you turn your wheel, use your blinker.
Ideally a good 10-20 seconds beforehand.
I use it as soon as it’s clear what it means. If there are multiple turns, that might be four seconds so that they don’t expect me to turn early. I’ll typically hit it in the middle of the intersection of the first turn.
If there’s no earlier option to turn, I’ll absolutely leave it on for 10-15 seconds.
Regarding switching lanes I prefer when other driver enable their signal a few seconds just before they do the maneuver. If they enable their blinker too early I don’t know when exactly they will switch lanes which is confusing IMHO.
Unless you get a BMW. Then you buy the right not to use your blinkers.
I thought they made that a subscription now.
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.
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
Sometimes when I’m turning a sharp normal turn in a parking lot or ramp, I’ll instinctively signal, even though there’s no need to.
Yeah. Whoever made fun of you is an idiot.
Yes. Don’t listen to people who tell you not to.
The indicator is for communicating your intent to change the position (which lane you’re in) or direction (turning in or out of a road, parking space, etc.) of your car.
The safest thing you can do as a driver is to be PREDICTABLE to other drivers. The indicator communicates necessary information for other drivers to predict your actions.
Not using one when changing the position or direction of your car is inconsiderate and dangerous to other road users. It is also illegal.
Use them. Please.
Not just to drivers.
There’s nothing more annoying as a pedestrian than a vehicle whose driver has seemingly decided to run into you because they 1) didn’t think to use their signals and 2) mostly just checked for car traffic until you’re right in front of their bumper.
Very much this.
I was hoping to imply that with the phrase “road users” but I wasn’t explicit about it.
Cyclists too. If you can’t keep a cyclist safe you shouldn’t be allowed in a car.
I use it all the time and I judge people who don’t.
Other drivers cannot read minds, so use the blinker.
Its why it’s there in the first place.
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 reflexively.
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.
Of course I do. My goal while driving is to be predictable so I can minimize the chances of causing an accident.
Yeah man operating machinery is awesome. Doing it respectful and responsible way is extra satisfying. People really look down on cars but it’s an awesome technology!
Use your blinker, return your cart to the corral, and mind your business
I’m sure I’ve missed it sometimes over the years, but if you make it a habit it’s harder to forget or ignore
Making funof someone for doing the responsible thing is childish and stupid.
As long as you are using them to indicate intent you are using them correctly. At worst you are being extra clear to drivers around you. If you don’t use them though, at worst you are an unpredictable driver that might be involved in a crash.
Fuck the people that made fun of you.
P. S I use them any time I do something that isn’t driving straight, i don’t care if there are others around me, if it’s a single lane, if it’s obvious, etc. Every time I stray from a straight line I signal it.
Always. Drive predictably it helps.
Indicators?
Yes, only pillocks don’t use their indicators. They’re an essential method of communication between vehicles and for pedestrians, and an essential safety feature.
I cannot stress this enough, people who don’t use their indicators are massive twats and shouldn’t be on the road.
They’re a danger to themselves and everybody around them.
I read this in a posh British accent.
I get really annoyed when people don’t use them. My psychic powers are terrible and I like to not have people suddenly change lanes in front of me or cut me off on the road.
Blinkers are not just for special occasions or discos!
Turn signals are not optional.
I use them 100% of the time. Which yes, includes my own driveway.
You should train yourself to use them automatically instead of a manual step. Like a reflex.
And if you’re at a light and you plan to turn, you have that blinker going. Even if it’s a long red light, even if you think no one is around.
