Most drivers don't signal lane changes ("too lazy," "adds excitement")

[DeepModem Mom]

CNNMoney: Look out...most drivers don't signal lane changes
March 15, 2006

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - If it seems to you that a lot of drivers fail to signal before changing lanes on the highway, a recent survey provides confirmation....In a survey conducted by Response Insurance, 57 percent of American drivers admitted that they don't use their turn signal when changing lanes. Some of them, about seven percent, say that not signaling "adds excitement to driving."

About 42 percent of signal-free lane changers say they simply don't have time to signal before moving over, while 23 percent admit that they are just too lazy to bother.

Fear of forgetting to turn off the signal after changing lanes keeps 17 percent of non-signalers from doing the right (or left) thing while 11 percent say they're too busy changing lanes a lot to use their signal.

The survey also revealed that men are much more likely to change lanes without a signal than women. Sixty-two percent of men swerve without signaling while 53 percent of women admit to the practice. Older drivers are also more likely to signal before changing lanes than younger drivers.

"The bottom line is that most drivers are failing to see the importance of using their turn signals," Response Insurance CEO Mory Katz said in a company announcement. "But they are doing so at their own peril -- and the peril of others -- since their unanticipated actions cause crashes."...

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/03/15/signal_survey/index.html?cnn=yes

[benburch]

1. Cops ought to write tickets for that.

But somehow they cannot be bothered.

[dogfacedboy]

12. And yet the Kane County Kops have

pulled me over twice in the last 4 days for a burned out license plate light. I know they use that trick to find drunk drivers, but I don't fit that category.

[benburch]

16. Kane County cops have pulled me to make me CLEAN my plate.

Same thing. It was 3 AM and they were looking for drunks.

[dogfacedboy]

I've also been pulled over by them simply because

I pulled out of the parking lot at the Cadillac Ranch. I don't drink and drive, but I'm out at night a lot. I've lived in Elgin for three years. In my previous 27 years of driving while living in Chicago, I was pulled over ONCE. And that was because my vehicle fit the description of one that had just been involved in a crime. As soon as the cops saw my face, they knew it wasn't me, they apologized, and we were on our separate ways.

[benburch]

24. Heh... I live over by Lords Park on the East Side! nt

[dogfacedboy]

48. I'm on the west side, a bit east of Larkin HS. Is that Cook Co. over there

[benburch]

50. I'm 100 yards from Cook County.

And were I there my property tax would be about half of what it is.

Seems that Kane County Republicans never heard that they are in the party that is supposed to be against taxation...

[dogfacedboy]

94. The Cook County taxes must be cheap out here.

When I moved out here from Chicago, my property tax bill was cut nearly in half. I have 2-1/2 times the property here compared to my place in the city.
Presuming that you've been out here a long time, do you see any kind of swing from right to left going on?

[LisaLynne]

29. Adds EXCITEMENT?

Holy crap and I'm on the road with these people? Egads.

Edited to add: Whoops, replied to the wrong post. Just pretend that this is at the end of the thread. Thanks.

[Syncronaut Seven]

63. Another reason not to signal_______________________

Road rage. 30 years as a licensed driver, more than 1,000,000 miles under my belt.

My observation? When in heavy traffic, many people will act aggressively when you signal your intent.

When I signal, I observe 1-3 incidences of road rage (attempted assault and intimidation with a motor vehicle)every day.

When I just take a slot, assertively and without signaling, it's over before it begins. That is, by the time asshole can stomp the accelerator to cut you off it's already a done deal.

That's called real world experience.

For trucks, buses and other professional drivers, I observe all courtesies. Assholes can eat the shoulder.

[benburch]

64. I signal...

And if the guy is being a jerk, I slow and change lanes behind him.

Chances are the fellow behind isn't a Republican Asshole.

[obreaslan]

69. Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner....

That was the exact situation I was thinking.

[ScreamingMeemie]

73. And then I, not having the chance to act defensively slam into your

back end because I had no idea what you were going to do...People who do this type of driving incite road rage, not diffuse it.

[Syncronaut Seven]

77. Think about that one momentarily

Diagram it on paper if it helps.

[ScreamingMeemie]

79. No need.

One pulls in front of me not using One's blinker....and you're an idiot, plain and simple, but you feel free to draw yourself a diagram of what happens on America's highways far too often. :hi:

[LostinVA]

96. I agree with you, MrsG -- I hate it when people just pull over in front

of when I'm going 70 on the interstae... especially when they have JUST enough room to slide in. Put your damn signal on, so I can slow down a little and let you in. Anything else is not only illegal in most states and rude, it's bloody dangerous.

[Javaman]

97. Actually this very incident happened to me a year ago...

I was on a street during a rain storm, a woman in a huge SUV decided to come into my lane, with out 1) using her directional 2) checking for clearance. Needless to say, she took out my left front fender.

When she pulled over, she yelled at me saying I should look where I was going.

I looked at her car and then my car (which is a lot smaller) and said, "frankly, I find it hard for me to miss your train sized vehicle, however, since mine could probably fit in your glove compartment, you failed to observe me." long story short, I won. She paid for everything included my deductible. :)

[cynatnite]

88. Maybe if someone was killed, you might change your mind...

My husband is a truck driver and nothing is worse for him than a careless driver who doesn't signal. With a full load his truck can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. That's the legal limit, BTW. These guys can't stop on a dime and even when drivers say they know that, they still act like the truckers can.

Courtesies should be observed at all times whether the other car is being driven by an asshole or not.

Stupidity, yours included, costs lives. How great will you feel when an 'asshole' slams into the guard rail or the cement divider and there is an innocent passenger? Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and it's even worse when in heavy traffic. They also happen to the best of drivers.

I've worked as an EMT on the back of an ambulance and in an ER. I don't think I could count the bodies that I've came across because of pure stupidity.

That's real world experience.

[MuseRider]

2. No kidding.

That and turning into the incorrect lane drive me crazy. I don't know why anyone would not do the simple things to keep themselves safe. I no longer believe that most people care one little bit about what happens to anyone else.

[Atman]

10. Driver's Ed is a thing of the past.

It seems pretty much optional these days. When I was in high school a brazillion years ago, it was one of our standard classes, not an option. Every day for a semester we had an hour-long driver's ed course, just like math, science, etc. My kids only had the option of paying nearly $400 out of pocket and finding a course on their own, which they didn't even have to actually complete to get their license. And we wonder why we're turning out more and more shitty drivers.

[LostinVA]

28. My nephew is taking it, but you have to pay $300 -- WTF?

So, poor kids won't be able to learn how to drive???

[MuseRider]

39. Same here but my

father did not let me take it until I was a senior, really pissed me off. My sons took the class at a private instruction place and I spent many harrowing hours helping them practice in my truck. It is up to the parents these days.

On occasion, when something really nasty happens I will call to make certain that I made the correct decision, just to be sure (OK I was the oldest, a rule follower) I rarely can get anyone to answer with any assurance. It does disturb me that even the police dept. doesn't always know the answers to driving rules questions.

[shanti]

90. my son just got his permit

after completing the classroom training. he now has 6 hours of behind the wheel training which was $200. :scared:

[dogfacedboy]

3. Those who do not use turn signals

piss me off as bad as Bush does. I am NOT exaggerating. In the driving world, it comes in second only to those who tail gate @ 70 MPH, in my book. A very asshole thing to do.

[LostinVA]

7. Read my post below -- we're soul mates!

[dogfacedboy]

13. I saw that! Another poster reminded me of another dick head move.

The left turn into the right lane. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH !!!!

[LostinVA]

27. I know! Someone almost hit me a few months ago doing that

I mean, missed me by an inch -- and i slammed my brakes on. THEN, beeped the horn at ME and flipped me off. SOB.

[DeepModem Mom]

18. Right on! Sometimes I come close to road rage at these idiots. nt

[anitar1]

91. Oy vey, I hear you. Although I am getting older, I realize that I have

to be extra alert. I took a course in defensive driving many years ago and it still serves me well.

[Atman]

4. No excuse for this

When I was in my twenties, I remember giving a friend a hard time for not using her signal. She said she does use it, but usually only for "big" direction changes. Meanwhile, I simply never saw her signal for much of anything. My advice to her was the same I've given my own kids, and I practice, too...signal for everything, any change of direction. It may seem like a waste of time, but do it if for no other reason than to make it a HABIT so you won't forget to signal at that one crucial time when a tractor-trailer is about to merge into your lane!

[bunkerbuster1]

57. Gotta get into the habit.

I always signal, even if it's 2am and I know I'm the only vehicle within a half-mile. I figure it's a terrible idea to start rationalizing NOT doing it.

[LostinVA]

74. Me too

[Nikia]

83. I always signal

For the purpose of being in the habit too. There is nothing wrong with signaling when no one is around or it isn't really necessary. If you always signal, you will be signalling when someone needs to be seeing your intentions.
I don't know why people are too lazy to do it. It isn't like the turn singal is someone where else other than right by the steering wheel and you aren't already driving and all that entails.

[LostinVA]

5. THis drives me crazy -- this and tail gating

WTF are the cops??? I would rather these people get the tickets than someone going a few miles over the speed limit. It's dangerous and reckless.

[Strong Atheist]

15. HATE Tailgaters. HATE THEM! nt.

[LostinVA]

31. Obnoxious AND dangerous -- esp. on the interstate

JUST PASS ME, DICK HEADS!!!

[Strong Atheist]

62. Agreed!

:yourock:

[BlooInBloo]

87. I thought tailgaters were why god invented brakes....

[mikeytherat]

22. I use my signals to indicate EVERY lateral maneuver of my vehicle.

Every time. No exceptions.

mikey_the_rat

[LostinVA]

32. Me too -- even when I turn into my driveway

On my little private street.

[KittyWampus]

60. Me three, it requires no real expenditure of energy, really. Your hand is

right above the damn signal lever.

[LostinVA]

67. Like a millimeter away!

[karlrschneider]

6. I think it's even worse around here. Another thing that drives (!) me up

the wall, so to speak, is people who make left turns directly into the right lane. If I had a nickel for every asshole behind me at a left turn zoomed around me into the right lane, especially at a place where I need to get INTO the right lane right away. :grr:

[CrispyQ]

8. Too lazy to use a turn signal?

Holy shit! It's just too darned much work to reach down with your little finger & pull/push that lever to the appropriate position to clue in other drivers what you are doing? The pinnacle of human thoughtlessness & stupidity is behind the wheel of a car.

[dogfacedboy]

17. No Kidding. Many are @ their worst behind a wheel. eom

[ProfessorGAC]

41. "I Don't Want To Push The Button Again!"

This topic reminded me of the old Seinfeld routine about cruise control. Too lazy?!?!?

Now i'll admit i only use the signals when there is traffic around. I figure they're meant to be alerts for the other drivers. If there is nobody around me, then i'd be alerting nobody. So, i don't know how i'd answer this survey, because in traffic, i use them but if there's plenty of space, (and i mean many car lengths!) then i don't.
The Professor

[KittyWampus]

61. And the lever goes back into start position when the turn is done!

[raccoon]

75. You said that right. If they're too lazy to signal, can they even

muster the energy to wipe their own arses?

I ALWAYS signal. People not signaling is one of my pet peeves.
And there are SOOOOOOOOOOO many who don't. I believe that's everywhere.

[EstimatedProphet]

9. OK, how about people like this:

Some of them, about seven percent, say that not signaling "adds excitement to driving."

Just the sort of person that I hope to run into on the highway-somebody that needs to make driving exciting by cutting people off.

[monktonman]

11. Ya know

The thing is, if you think signaling to change lanes is a good thing, you've never driven on the Mass. pike. As soon as you hit you signal to change lanes everyone around speeds up to get in front of you. Its like a big race to get to work.
Unfortunately, I've learned the only way to get where your going is to change lanes without signaling and to be agressive.
It sucks but such is life.
Again if you want to justify your bad driving habits, take a cruise on the Mass. pike at any time of the day and you'll understand why some of us suck. For the rest of you nice guy drivers, have fun driving around in circles after missing your exit.

[Strong Atheist]

14. I do. I also always do the speed limit.

x(

[ucmike]

19. most people are just bad drivers in general

they don't signal, they don't observe lane protocols, they speed up and then jam on their brakes, they tailgate, and would it hurt to check your rearview mirror occassionally?

nothing worse than someone in the left lane doing 60 in a 65 with 20 vehicles stacked up behind them, completely oblivious to what is happening. they don't realize that when they take up the passing lane they are creating a situation where other cars are trying to go around them on the right.


i think it's too easy to get and keep a license. drivers ed in this country is mostly about passing the test for the license and very little to do with actual driving conditions.

[Roland99]

20. I always signal a turn unless I'm in, say, a left-turn lane at 3am. :-)

[dogfacedboy]

26. Well...you know.... n/t

[HeeBGBz]

33. Sometimes I don't want people to know I'm turning

Especially in the wee hours and someone seems to be following too closely.

[uncle ray]

89. and that someone following too close

has a "ski rack".

[the other one]

21. Thanks Mr. Landis ( my driver ed teacher)

for sending me out into the world with a full appreciation of the need to signal ones intentions when operating a motor vehicle.

[Fleshdancer]

23. My worst driving experience was when my blinkers went out

I felt like such an asshole because, well, I was. :( The first estimate I got to fix them was well over $600 but when I consulted the DU lounge about this, they told me the estimate was bs. They were right. I went somewhere else and got them fixed for $50. The lounge is funny that way though...it doesn't matter what subject you ask about, there's at least 2 people in there who are experts.

But I digress...my husband laughed his butt off on the drive home because I would apologize to all the cars around me even though they couldn't hear me. I can't stand it when others don't use their turn signals so it was hell for me when I couldn't.

[dogfacedboy]

25. Do you know the old arm signals?

Actually, I doubt anyone would be looking for them nowadays.

[mikeytherat]

30. And when you use them cycling, many people think you are giving them

rude gestures!

mikey_the_rat

[Gormy Cuss]

52. mikey, you use the whole hand to signal,

not just the middle finger.:P

When I'm riding I'm convinced most drivers have no idea why I'm sticking my arm out.

[MissB]

71. BWAHAHAHA

True about car drivers and bicyclists signaling.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

76. The turn signals on my scooter went out...

and I have been using the hand signals instead.

I was sitting at a light waiting to make a right turn with my hand in the "right turn" position. A pedestrian who was walking past me in the crosswalk looked ove and waived "hi" at me! He's looking at me like "You're waiving at me but do I even know you?", while I'm looking at him thinking, "Who the heck is he waiving at?"

I had a good laugh at that one. :)

[LostinVA]

36. Correct -- I was just gonna write this

This is legal -- and what you should do -- when your blinkers are out.

[CrispyQ]

38. LOL!

The old arm signals! A friend was driving one day & the driver of the car in front of us stuck his arm out the window - indicating a left turn. My friend pulled into the oncoming lane started to pass him. I screeched "What the heck are you doing? He's turning left!" She thought he was indicting she should pass him cuz he was going slow! Good grief!

[Fleshdancer]

45. I do but I'm pretty sure it went un-noticed

I was sure to use it when there was a cop near me. I felt like a complete idiot though. I rarely see cyclists do this!

Fortunately I don't have to drive too much.

[anitar1]

92. They would be insulted , As they would see it as an insult.n/t

[MuseRider]

42. Arm signals

you rarely see people use them anymore. I saw a young woman using them last week, I wanted to get out and kiss her. They are a drag in the winter though.

[anarch]

34. I like to drive blindfolded at 100 MPH

Oh, and also drunk. It adds excitement to my driving experience.

[LostinVA]

37. Sissy -- do that AND steer with your knees... that's real excitement!

[4morewars]

49. While rolling a blunt,

and watching a DVD !

[LostinVA]

55. And changing a cd while drinking your Starbucks coffee!

[NickB79]

85. At night with no headlights

On an empty country road so there's no streetlights. My friend in high school used to do that, drive right up behind someone with his lights off, then flip them on and scare the hell out of them. He was a crazy SOB, but luckily he survived long enough to grow out of it and realize just how stupid he was :-)

[dogfacedboy]

95. Back when I was 'rolling while driving', DVD's weren't here yet.

And I'm not joking about the 'rolling while driving'. What those wacky college kids won't do for fun.

[MountainLaurel]

68. Hey, don't laugh

I had a friend in college who used to tell stories about his Uncle Ed, who used to drive drunk with one foot on the steering wheel and the other on the pedals (guess that doesn't work if you've got a standard).

:scared:

[Squatch]

35. I blame cell phones

Hard to flip the switch when your left hand is busy holding a phone to your head.

[DBoon]

40. One of my favorite bumper stickers:

"Visualize using your turn signal"

the other one is:

"Hang up and drive"

[CrispyQ]

99. I want those!

:rofl:

[seabeyond]

43. i dont like seatbelts, feel signals a must, always..... go figure n/t

[alarimer]

44. They also don't check the blind spot

I can't tell you how many times some dumbass in an SUV has nearly hit me. Ticket these assholes.

[ScreamingMeemie]

46. This is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves...One, you don't have to

"commit" to turning on the blinker (for those of you afraid to turn it off) you can just hold it while you change lanes. Also, many new cars have a "blinker still on" reminder. Two, neighborhood streets are streets Too, dammit! I used to yell at MrG for this all the time. Maybe one out of 5 people who drive by our house used their blinker to turn. So far, in 6 years, 2 walkers and @ 4 bicyclists have been hit. Three, just because the lane is the right turn only lane doesn't mean you are free to not use your signal...people make mistakes and get in the wrong lane all the time. Four, if I had a nickel for every ass that slowed down and turned into a drive, street etc., without a blinker, in front of me...I wouldn't be bitching about this anymore...I'd be being chauffeured.

[LostinVA]

56. And, just because it's a turn lane doesn't mean you ignore the LIGHT

If it's red, guess what? You STILL have to stop before you turn! ARRRGGGHHH! Every week, someone almost hits me while doing this!

[bluethruandthru]

47. I rarely see a police officer or highway patrolman

using their turn signals! This is a huge pet peeve of mine. But, as another poster said, around here if you signal your intention to change lanes...everyone speeds up so you can't. Personally, whenever someone around me uses their turn signal, I reward them by letting them in. If some ya-hoo is trying to cut in front of me without signalling...I speed up and won't let him in.

[Love Bug]

51. Well, most drivers are stupid, then. Sheesh.

[bunkerbuster1]

58. Not exactly news, I guess.

Still, it's a higher percentage of drivers actually admitting to something loathesome and anti-social than I'd expect to see.

[azmouse]

53. In AZ it's not required

Yep, believe it or not. If the driver doesn't see other cars around they don't have to use a turn signal. But sheesh!!! Just because you don't see other cars doesn't mean they may not be in a place that is not easily visible to you. It's a incredible stupid law but doesn't surprise me with the cowboy mentality that still exists here in a metro area of 4 million people!

[Syncronaut Seven]

65. HI! I logged most of my first 100K in Arizona!

AZ drivers aren't any worse than anywhere else. LA has gotten better over the years, The real threat of getting shot by an offended motorist has led to more politeness, or perhaps it's just the Darwin effect.

Seattle gets my vote as the worst. Alchohol addled dock workers and youngsters from the military bases seem to be some of the worst offenders. Only place on the planet I've had to show my trunk monkey, courtesy of Moss.

[azmouse]

66. We just had a case of road rage here

that turned into a shooting match. The driver who was shot survived but what a bunch of idiots. I don't make eye contact any more with stupid drivers. I just let them go on their way.
I lived in CA for 3 yrs and it gets my vote for the worst drivers. It's full speed ahead and damn the other cars! Scary place!

[Syncronaut Seven]

70. Clearly wiser than I.

I'm a big guy, And I despise bullies. I'm the type that will call out a transgressor, cause, I can. PTSD helps, no fear of death, alters the dynamics a bit. ;-)

[killbotfactory]

93. The worst places to drive are near military bases.

Tons and tons of young guys who like to thrill-seek and drive up everybody elses insurance rates.

[Mutley]

54. I don't know if I should

:rofl: , :cry: , :yoiks: , or :freak: about this article.

[AngryAmish]

59. I'm a bad driver

There, I said it. Statistically, 50% of drivers are below average yet most people think they are excellant drivers. I studiously use my turn signals. It has kept me out of many, many accidents. It gives folks a chance to get out of my way.

[Buns_of_Fire]

72. I'm probably about half as good as I THINK I am...

Hence the bumpersticker I used to have on the car I used to have:

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE WAY I DRIVE
STAY OFF THE SIDEWALK

[cynatnite]

100. I honestly don't know if I'm a good or bad driver...

so I play it safe, follow the rules and try to be careful.

I was pulled over the other day for speeding in a school zone, but I honestly didn't see the signs. The nice officer cut me a break because I was on my way to pick up my son. Got a verbal warning about it and I promised I would never do it again. I'm a coward. LOL

[nonconformist]

78. I signal lane changes about 80% of the time

I generally don't bother when there's nobody anywhere near me, but that's pretty rare.

[baby_mouse]

80. I signal lanes and turns but then go somewhere else. :-)

However, I'm still learning and forget to do things. Like go left when I've signaled left. Luckily there's an enormous "L" on the back of the car.

[Pied Piper]

81. My $.02

I live in Boston, and I enjoy driving here merely for the sport of it all. I grew up in the midwest with strict driver training instruction. Years ago, I spent 20 minutes, while waiting for the train, watching some Masshole trying to parallel-park in a space that was wide enough for two cars. I may be jumping to conclusions here, but I believe that there is no such thing as driver training here in New England. Just show up and sign the form - here's your new driver's license...

I no longer own a car (no need in Boston), but I rent frequently, as necessary. I don't do much highway driving these days, but the inner-city traffic amuses me on a daily basis. There is a funky intersection right outside the main entrance to my place of employment, and there is not a momemt that passes in which I don't observe some of the most ludicrous examples of Boston driving.

We have this story here that there is no such thing as a moving violation. It's nearly impossible to exceed the posted speed limit (due to congestion), but God forbid you try to park the car. Those meter-maids will tag you before you've even gotten out of the car to feed the meter. Luv 'em!

[MazeRat7]

82. We've got a saying down here in Texas....

If you see a vehicle with its signal on... it probably came from the factory that way. *wink.

MZr7

[B Calm]

84. Sitting at a stop sign tonight I got pissed off because a guy driving on

the road that I was wanting to turn on to, failed to use his turn signal. He was the only car either direction and the son of a bitch didn't have the courtesy to signal he was slowing down and turning.

[WillyT]

86. Shit... Most Drivers Get Their Licenses Out Of A Cracker Jack Box !!!

:hide::scared::wow::scared::hide:

:evilgrin:

[Wcross]

98. 95% of the people on the road are out to kill you!

I ALWAYS use my signals, even if I "think" nowbody else is around. It has become habit. I have had my fair share of people decide they want to prevent me from changing lanes. I even had a cop do it to me! He was out of his county and was driving in the left lane under the limit. I passed him on the right and signaled a lane change to pass cars in the right lane. The idiot sped up as soon as he saw the signal. I got in before he could stop me and he gave me a blast from his siren. I flipped him off.