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Blinker etiquette (1 Viewer)

Just did the time test on a drive into the city. To avoid tailgating, my typical gap on local roads is 2-3 seconds, and right around 2 on the highway.
 
On a recent road trip, I got pulled over in Utah. I just got a warning. The officer said I needed to have the blinker on at least 2 seconds before changing lanes. I have tried to carry that over but tendency is to start turning the wheel while pushing the turn signal up or down.
 
On a recent road trip, I got pulled over in Utah. I just got a warning. The officer said I needed to have the blinker on at least 2 seconds before changing lanes. I have tried to carry that over but tendency is to start turning the wheel while pushing the turn signal up or down.
I didn’t realize this was the law, but it looks like many states require a distance or duration the turn signal is active before changing lanes. It’s usually 100 feet, or 5 second warning.
 
Not sure if it was already mentioned here, but when I was learning how to drive, I was always taught "SMOG-OFF" (Signal, mirror, over-the-shoulder, go, signal off).

I got docked 6 points on my driving test because the DMV dude claimed I looked in the mirror before signaling. :poop:
 
Not sure if it was already mentioned here, but when I was learning how to drive, I was always taught "SMOG-OFF" (Signal, mirror, over-the-shoulder, go, signal off).

I got docked 6 points on my driving test because the DMV dude claimed I looked in the mirror before signaling. :poop:
:ptts:
 
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How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
 
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Reactions: JAA
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
I muscle my way through the lane assist just to remind our robot overlords that they don’t quite own me yet! WOLVERINES!!!!
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
my car is 19 years old. no alerts. only a few cars i would trade it for (and about to this week...for another 20 yr old car)

wife and daughter both have the features
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
My car is 18; wife’s 11 years old. Friend’s is a ~2019 Honda Fit. None of them have contemporary “safety” alerts/assists.

But I think those features may contribute to people driving more aggressively, and IIRC accident fatalities haven’t improved since they’ve been introduced.
 
It's called a signal for a reason. It's used to tell people you are moving over or turning so they can prepare. It's a safety thing. Using it at the same second you're getting over into the other lane is pointless and you might as well just drive a BMW (since those don't seem to come with turn signals installed).
 
I am from Los Angeles. most Los angelenos don’t know that the cars come with blinkers. That being said in your situation that you described blinker is constantly on until I’m over where I want to be.
That is because a quarter of the cars are BMW's.... I don't think I have ever seen a BMW driver use a blinker..... but then I borrowed my buddies BMW to get around for the day when visiting the L.A. area and I found out that those damn German engineered cars take the most simple component of the car aside from the steering wheel and make it ridiculously hard and complicated to use. For the first time ever as a driver, I stopped using the blinker. Then I understood why no BMW drivers use them.
Actually, it's a learned trait. In Los Angeles if you turn on a blinker to change lanes on the freeway it immediately triggers the car behind you in the other lane to speed up to not let you in. It never fails that every time I put on a blinker that happens. It's like a challenge to the other cars to not let you change lanes no matter what.

I go with the OP method of turning the blinker just before merging while I have space and this has been conditioned from many years of driving in LA.
 
I am from Los Angeles. most Los angelenos don’t know that the cars come with blinkers. That being said in your situation that you described blinker is constantly on until I’m over where I want to be.
That is because a quarter of the cars are BMW's.... I don't think I have ever seen a BMW driver use a blinker..... but then I borrowed my buddies BMW to get around for the day when visiting the L.A. area and I found out that those damn German engineered cars take the most simple component of the car aside from the steering wheel and make it ridiculously hard and complicated to use. For the first time ever as a driver, I stopped using the blinker. Then I understood why no BMW drivers use them.
Actually, it's a learned trait. In Los Angeles if you turn on a blinker to change lanes on the freeway it immediately triggers the car behind you in the other lane to speed up to not let you in. It never fails that every time I put on a blinker that happens. It's like a challenge to the other cars to not let you change lanes no matter what.

I go with the OP method of turning the blinker just before merging while I have space and this has been conditioned from many years of driving in LA.
Born and raised. I learned to drive faster than Everyone else. No blinker needed. 💪
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
My car is 18; wife’s 11 years old. Friend’s is a ~2019 Honda Fit. None of them have contemporary “safety” alerts/assists.

But I think those features may contribute to people driving more aggressively, and IIRC accident fatalities haven’t improved since they’ve been introduced.
Spring for some upgrades. My 2016 Honda has every safety deal on it.
 
I am from Los Angeles. most Los angelenos don’t know that the cars come with blinkers. That being said in your situation that you described blinker is constantly on until I’m over where I want to be.
That is because a quarter of the cars are BMW's.... I don't think I have ever seen a BMW driver use a blinker..... but then I borrowed my buddies BMW to get around for the day when visiting the L.A. area and I found out that those damn German engineered cars take the most simple component of the car aside from the steering wheel and make it ridiculously hard and complicated to use. For the first time ever as a driver, I stopped using the blinker. Then I understood why no BMW drivers use them.
Actually, it's a learned trait. In Los Angeles if you turn on a blinker to change lanes on the freeway it immediately triggers the car behind you in the other lane to speed up to not let you in. It never fails that every time I put on a blinker that happens. It's like a challenge to the other cars to not let you change lanes no matter what.

I go with the OP method of turning the blinker just before merging while I have space and this has been conditioned from many years of driving in LA.
Born and raised. I learned to drive faster than Everyone else. No blinker needed. 💪
Born and raised too in the L.A. area.... I always use my blinker and always have. Well, except driving that damn BMW. I gave up.
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
My car is 18; wife’s 11 years old. Friend’s is a ~2019 Honda Fit. None of them have contemporary “safety” alerts/assists.

But I think those features may contribute to people driving more aggressively, and IIRC accident fatalities haven’t improved since they’ve been introduced.
Spring for some upgrades. My 2016 Honda has every safety deal on it.
I can’t afford the fast-paced fbg lifestyle - my vehicles need to last two decades, minimum.
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
My car is 18; wife’s 11 years old. Friend’s is a ~2019 Honda Fit. None of them have contemporary “safety” alerts/assists.

But I think those features may contribute to people driving more aggressively, and IIRC accident fatalities haven’t improved since they’ve been introduced.
Spring for some upgrades. My 2016 Honda has every safety deal on it.
I can’t afford the fast-paced fbg lifestyle - my vehicles need to last two decades, minimum.
Misread it. 18 years old..not 2018. Got it
 
I am from Los Angeles. most Los angelenos don’t know that the cars come with blinkers. That being said in your situation that you described blinker is constantly on until I’m over where I want to be.
This is SO true. Driving in and around LA is frustrating on like 10 different levels. I often complain, especially when you are at a green light where its a "yield to oncoming traffic" and you are waiting to turn left, and hesitate just to see some jackass starting turning their own left, THEN putting the blinker on. Whats the point in that?

My personal blinker take: It literally is the ONLY thing you can do to tell other drivers what you INTEND to do, not what you are actually doing. Why people don't use it in life, is beyond me.
 
So I am one of those who fully use the length of the merge lane if it is advantageous (i.e. if I can get by some cars). I am not one of those who cram in at the last minute and make others slow down. I use the bulk (but likely not ALL) of the merge lane, and I'll cut over near the last open gap. If it says merge in 2,000 feet, I'll drive 1,500 feet or whatever and look for a slot to slide in. When traffic is already slow, and I'm in need of a merge, I do what your friend does. I always signal, but I usually don't signal until I'm about to slide in. I have found that there are a lot of jerk-holes who do speed up and try and close out gaps once you signal. These are people who otherwise leave plenty of space for cars. I also feel like it's not their job to make a hole for me. I have to merge. They have the right of way...so I don't want them to slow down to let me in, but I also don't want them to NOT let me in. Just drive normal, and I'll find my spot.
 
So I am one of those who fully use the length of the merge lane if it is advantageous (i.e. if I can get by some cars). I am not one of those who cram in at the last minute and make others slow down. I use the bulk (but likely not ALL) of the merge lane, and I'll cut over near the last open gap. If it says merge in 2,000 feet, I'll drive 1,500 feet or whatever and look for a slot to slide in. When traffic is already slow, and I'm in need of a merge, I do what your friend does. I always signal, but I usually don't signal until I'm about to slide in. I have found that there are a lot of jerk-holes who do speed up and try and close out gaps once you signal. These are people who otherwise leave plenty of space for cars. I also feel like it's not their job to make a hole for me. I have to merge. They have the right of way...so I don't want them to slow down to let me in, but I also don't want them to NOT let me in. Just drive normal, and I'll find my spot.
Zippering in bumper-to-bumper traffic makes sense, and is the most efficient way to merge. (As an aside, both my friend and wife will get over as soon as space is available, rather than travel to the front of the zipper).

But that’s not what I’m trying to describe. In my scenario, traffic is heavy, but still moving at a decent pace. Gaps are evident, but they’re decreasing rapidly. There’s a slow down ahead, though it isn’t immediately evident if a merge is mandatory. Still, my friend will need to exit in a couple miles, or possibly earlier, to avoid whatever is causing the unexpected congestion.

In situations like this, I find it helpful to utilize my blinker early. No one is obligated to create space, of course, but I think the likelihood of that happening far exceeds every vehicle rushing to close the gaps. Ultimately, I believe behaving in this manner is safer, and facilitates the flow of traffic. As a bonus, it’s what the law demands.
 
Very funny that that the exact opposite is what annoys me...
When I'm traveling in a busy left hand lane and someone from the slower right hand lane throws on a turn signal like they're coming over.
Did you even look before you put your blinker on? ... There is no gap. How do you intend to enter my lane?
If you think you're getting let in by some courteous driver then you're obviously new around here.
Wait until you see an entry point, THEN signal your intention and GO.
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
I was able to turn off that annoying s*** on my wife's Genesis.
Because it has user profiles, it still works for her when she is driving.
... otherwise I'm driving my 19 year old Honda Pilot or 15 year old Toyota Tundra which thankfully do not have that non-sense.
Been driving without that feature since the 1980's and by golly not about to start using it now ... and stay off my lawn.
 
Very funny that that the exact opposite is what annoys me...
When I'm traveling in a busy left hand lane and someone from the slower right hand lane throws on a turn signal like they're coming over.
Did you even look before you put your blinker on? ... There is no gap. How do you intend to enter my lane?
If you think you're getting let in by some courteous driver then you're obviously new around here.
Wait until you see an entry point, THEN signal your intention and GO.
Different scenario, but I see no harm signaling in that situation either.

If you don’t want to facilitate the lane change, don’t. Easy peasy.
 
If you are that close that they won't let you in if you put your blinker on then you are a jerk that is basically cutting people off. Using the blinker is just trying to make you feel better that you aren't the jerk cutting people off (but you are.).
This makes no sense at all.

Cutting someone off requires pulling in front of them. Signaling a need to move over doesn’t mandate an immediate response; it’s up to the other driver to decide. If they let you in, great, you should acknowledge them with a friendly wave. If not, maybe the next guy will let you in. But even if they don't, it’s not an invitation to force your way in, or slam on the brakes to impede vehicles behind you.

Moreover, there's no way to know how they’ll respond to the blinker, unless you actually use it.
You are correct. Just like with stacking menus.
 
Very funny that that the exact opposite is what annoys me...
When I'm traveling in a busy left hand lane and someone from the slower right hand lane throws on a turn signal like they're coming over.
Did you even look before you put your blinker on? ... There is no gap. How do you intend to enter my lane?
If you think you're getting let in by some courteous driver then you're obviously new around here.
Wait until you see an entry point, THEN signal your intention and GO.
Different scenario, but I see no harm signaling in that situation either.

If you don’t want to facilitate the lane change, don’t. Easy peasy.
Well not exactly easy peasy ... because now I'm white knuckling the steering wheel with one hand, the other on the center of the wheel ready to sound the horn, one eye on the signal giver while simultaneously checking the rear view to analyze the tailgater behind me to see how much brake I can give without getting stuffed from behind ... if this idiot is actually coming over.
Your directional is to signal your intention ... as in, you are INTENDING to change lanes, as in "here I come". Don't use your signal as a "I'm considering changing lanes but let's see how this goes".
 
Very funny that that the exact opposite is what annoys me...
When I'm traveling in a busy left hand lane and someone from the slower right hand lane throws on a turn signal like they're coming over.
Did you even look before you put your blinker on? ... There is no gap. How do you intend to enter my lane?
If you think you're getting let in by some courteous driver then you're obviously new around here.
Wait until you see an entry point, THEN signal your intention and GO.
Different scenario, but I see no harm signaling in that situation either.

If you don’t want to facilitate the lane change, don’t. Easy peasy.
Well not exactly easy peasy ... because now I'm white knuckling the steering wheel with one hand, the other on the center of the wheel ready to sound the horn, one eye on the signal giver while simultaneously checking the rear view to analyze the tailgater behind me to see how much brake I can give without getting stuffed from behind ... if this idiot is actually coming over.
Your directional is to signal your intention ... as in, you are INTENDING to change lanes, as in "here I come". Don't use your signal as a "I'm considering changing lanes but let's see how this goes".
Respectfully disagree.

All this drama is created by you, and reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the reason to use a blinker. It signals intent, sure, but tells you little about the urgency of the lane change. It's implicit the change will occur soon, within a few hundred feet or seconds, as suggested by blinker laws, but in no way should it be interpreted as "I'm turning NOW - deal with it".

The message is "I'd like to change lanes when safe to do so, and I'm letting all other drivers know, to adjust behavior accordingly." That adjustment may include slowing to allow a merge, or not.

You're given a choice in the matter, unlike someone who decides they're going to change lanes, and executes the change with a simultaneous, token blinker, or doesn't signal at all. Those actions do nothing to help you avoid being hit by the tailgater, nor reacting with a horn and white knuckles. You just have less time to react, which makes you and other drivers less safe.
 
Not sure who these guys are, but the guys at just-blink.com get it:

Here are four ways blinkers can help alleviate traffic congestion:

  1. Smooth Lane Changes: When drivers signal their intention to change lanes ahead of time, it allows others to adjust their speed or position accordingly. This smooth transition prevents sudden braking or swerving, which can disrupt the flow of traffic.
  2. Predictability: Blinkers provide valuable information to other drivers about your intended actions. By giving a clear signal before turning or merging, you contribute to making the road more predictable for everyone else. Predictability leads to smoother traffic flow and reduces unnecessary stops.
  3. Faster Intersection Clearance: When approaching an intersection with a turn signal activated, other drivers can anticipate your move and plan their own actions accordingly. This enables intersections to be cleared more efficiently since drivers have a better understanding of each other’s intentions.
  4. Enhanced Merging: Blinkers are especially important when merging onto highways or changing lanes in heavy traffic conditions. By indicating your intention well in advance, you give surrounding drivers an opportunity to create space for you and allow for seamless merging without causing disruptions.
 
Maybe I’m an optimist, expect the best from people, but I use the blinker to show where I’d like to go. Usually someone is happy to oblige. Likewise, I’m happy to let most vehicles in front of me.
But not semi trucks. Sorry.
 
Very funny that that the exact opposite is what annoys me...
When I'm traveling in a busy left hand lane and someone from the slower right hand lane throws on a turn signal like they're coming over.
Did you even look before you put your blinker on? ... There is no gap. How do you intend to enter my lane?
If you think you're getting let in by some courteous driver then you're obviously new around here.
Wait until you see an entry point, THEN signal your intention and GO.
Different scenario, but I see no harm signaling in that situation either.

If you don’t want to facilitate the lane change, don’t. Easy peasy.
Well not exactly easy peasy ... because now I'm white knuckling the steering wheel with one hand, the other on the center of the wheel ready to sound the horn, one eye on the signal giver while simultaneously checking the rear view to analyze the tailgater behind me to see how much brake I can give without getting stuffed from behind ... if this idiot is actually coming over.
Your directional is to signal your intention ... as in, you are INTENDING to change lanes, as in "here I come". Don't use your signal as a "I'm considering changing lanes but let's see how this goes".
You seem like a stressed driver.
But then I’m not sure where you’re driving.

Blinker = proposal. Not a casual fling.
 
Maybe I’m an optimist, expect the best from people, but I use the blinker to show where I’d like to go. Usually someone is happy to oblige. Likewise, I’m happy to let most vehicles in front of me.
But not semi trucks. Sorry.
Yeah, all this talk of people closing the gap seems waaaaay overblown. In Hawai’i at least, there’s a much greater chance someone will slow down to accommodate the turn/merge. I know I let people in, especially when they’re considerate with their turn signals.

Of course, people who blink late/not at all won’t know, because they don’t give others the opportunity to help. Instead they expect the worst.

Part of me thinks some of it is projecting one’s personal enthusiasm to be a jerk. If you find yourself accelerating to prevent merges far more often than slowing to facilitate them, you may want to reevaluate your driving philosophy.

Also, driving doesn’t have to be so stressful.
 
Yeah, all this talk of people closing the gap seems waaaaay overblown. In Hawai’i at least, there’s a much greater chance someone will slow down to accommodate the turn/merge. I know I let people in, especially when they’re considerate with their turn signals.
It is not overblown for driving in Los Angeles. It is the norm. A blinker signals to the lane you are trying to merge into to speed up and not allow you to do so. I drove in it a lot going to LA Kings games as a season ticket holder driving from north of Santa Barbara. As I got closer into the LA area the blinker became more of a hinderance to changing lanes than a help. Traffic is terrible and nobody wants to give up any space or time. It's just the way it is.
 
Wait for an appropriately-sized spot, then blink-and-move all in one motion.
Yea no way I am putting blinker on early and letting people not let me in. Bunch of twats will see someone trying to merge and do their best to not allow it. I wait until there is a spot, and gun it while putting the blinker on
Seems this strategy is more common than I realized. So I’ll ask again, why blink at all, if you’re “gunning it” to you chosen spot regardless?

I'm not "gunning it", and when I say "blink-and-move all in one motion", I mean, hit the blinker and start turning the wheel at the same time and start the 'glide', at the same constant speed, into the gap. I don't mean 'yank the wheel hard', either, I'm talking about a controlled, gradual move into the gap. I'd say on blink 2, I just have one set of tires into the next lane, and on blink 3 I'm still straddling the other side's tires and about to cross them over. There's plenty of room to abort if some two lanes over isn't paying attention and goes hard for the same gap, the lane I'm in I still occupy enough of to go back if needed.

The "blink-and-move all in one motion" is like a stutter-step or a pump-fake, it freezes the defender. It boxes out the jerkwads who would accelerate to close the gap when they see the blinker start. Because they're seeing the tires rotate and the car edging closer to the lane markers at the same time they see the blinker, and it halts the leadfoot reaction. But, overall, the total time to complete the full merge is just as long, or longer, than a blink, wait two-three beats, then start to move over. There's a longer straddle time between the two lanes as you're laying claim to the spot.
 
Wait for an appropriately-sized spot, then blink-and-move all in one motion.
Yea no way I am putting blinker on early and letting people not let me in. Bunch of twats will see someone trying to merge and do their best to not allow it. I wait until there is a spot, and gun it while putting the blinker on
Seems this strategy is more common than I realized. So I’ll ask again, why blink at all, if you’re “gunning it” to you chosen spot regardless?

I'm not "gunning it", and when I say "blink-and-move all in one motion", I mean, hit the blinker and start turning the wheel at the same time and start the 'glide', at the same constant speed, into the gap. I don't mean 'yank the wheel hard', either, I'm talking about a controlled, gradual move into the gap. I'd say on blink 2, I just have one set of tires into the next lane, and on blink 3 I'm still straddling the other side's tires and about to cross them over. There's plenty of room to abort if some two lanes over isn't paying attention and goes hard for the same gap, the lane I'm in I still occupy enough of to go back if needed.

The "blink-and-move all in one motion" is like a stutter-step or a pump-fake, it freezes the defender. It boxes out the jerkwads who would accelerate to close the gap when they see the blinker start. Because they're seeing the tires rotate and the car edging closer to the lane markers at the same time they see the blinker, and it halts the leadfoot reaction. But, overall, the total time to complete the full merge is just as long, or longer, than a blink, wait two-three beats, then start to move over. There's a longer straddle time between the two lanes as you're laying claim to the spot.
I understand the logic of a slow lane change. I don’t understand blink-and-move simultaneously.

If you don’t want advance notice to potential jerks, not signalling at all seems most logical.
 
Yeah, all this talk of people closing the gap seems waaaaay overblown. In Hawai’i at least, there’s a much greater chance someone will slow down to accommodate the turn/merge. I know I let people in, especially when they’re considerate with their turn signals.
It is not overblown for driving in Los Angeles. It is the norm. A blinker signals to the lane you are trying to merge into to speed up and not allow you to do so. I drove in it a lot going to LA Kings games as a season ticket holder driving from north of Santa Barbara. As I got closer into the LA area the blinker became more of a hinderance to changing lanes than a help. Traffic is terrible and nobody wants to give up any space or time. It's just the way it is.
Ok, but most people don’t live in LA.
 
Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
 
Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
very similar this morning.

3 lanes in each direction. Even left lane was moving a little slow (65 in a 65). guy comes over with less notice and distance than what you described (some toyota sedan ftr)...going slower than myself, forcing me to brake. no one behind me. traffic picks back up to 75ish. guys is now doing about 70 (which is now about the speed of the #2 lane)and i am caught behind him for 10 miles. WTH come over at a slower speed when no one is behind me?
 
Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
I have an awareness what traffic around my car is like (the last car I passed, general speed of vehicles, etc.) whenever I consider using my signal. I usually glance over as well, but there certainly have been times I’ve blinked before looking. Upthread someone mentioned getting dinged in their driver’s ed for looking before initiating the signal; so yeah, it’s a thing. It actually makes sense, if the expectation is a several second warning before attempting to change lanes/merge.

Not a huge fan of lifted trunks on car crushing tires driving like sports cars, but I know many people believe otherwise. So I’ll guess we’ll both have to accept our standards may be different. But which behavior is safer, and aligns more closely with traffic laws?
 
I know this isn’t what the OP is about, but my wife claims that is a Philadelphia thing not to put on your left turn signal when turning left until the last second (she is not originally from Philly). I guess I do tend to do this, but I think only when I’m in a left turn only lane. I mean, whytf do you think I’m the lane? Should you I draw you a map too?
 
I know this isn’t what the OP is about, but my wife claims that is a Philadelphia thing not to put on your left turn signal when turning left until the last second (she is not originally from Philly). I guess I do tend to do this, but I think only when I’m in a left turn only lane. I mean, whytf do you think I’m the lane? Should you I draw you a map too?
Yeah, no need for a signal if you're in a turn only lane. But no harm in it, either.
 
How old are the pieces of crap you guys are driving?

With lane change assist and all the safety features in my truck I can’t even change lanes without the thing beeping like crazy. Blinker is mandatory.
My car is 18; wife’s 11 years old. Friend’s is a ~2019 Honda Fit. None of them have contemporary “safety” alerts/assists.

But I think those features may contribute to people driving more aggressively, and IIRC accident fatalities haven’t improved since they’ve been introduced.
Even better than the safety alerts/assists. Haven't gotten in an accident since I got one of these.

 
Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
My guess is he’s going 75 and stuck behind someone going 65 or so. It’s tough to gauge the guy coming up on your left going 90.

We know it’s your road, but maybe you should consider slowing down? 🤔
 
Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
My guess is he’s going 75 and stuck behind someone going 65 or so. It’s tough to gauge the guy coming up on your left going 90.

We know it’s your road, but maybe you should consider slowing down🤔

Had another driver do this to me today...
I'm in the left hand lane passing at a hearty rate of speed
Driver in the right hand lane a just a bit ahead of me throws on a directional, signaling his "intention" to enter my lane.
I have 2 choices ... proceed past the flashing lane changer and cross fingers he doesn't actually come over... paint will be traded at best, possibly lives lost at worst.
or mash the brake pedal and shave off the 15mph difference between his vehicle and my own to facilitate him coming in (which isn't so easy to do in a full size truck, lifted, with 35" tires).
I get past the guy and I look behind me, no cars for quite a ways. So why would this person not wait until I'm clear to signal and move over?
I'm starting to think some people put on their blinker before they even look to see if there is an opening. Put on your directional and THEN look. This is so foreign to me.
Some people actually think think this is how to use your signal?
My guess is he’s going 75 and stuck behind someone going 65 or so. It’s tough to gauge the guy coming up on your left going 90.

We know it’s your road, but maybe you should consider slowing down? 🤔
Lol... How did you deduce the speed of the vehicles from this post?
Guy is doing 65 ... just like the guy in front of him. I'm doing 80, just like the guy in front of me.
And what does it matter what I'm driving... the person isn't looking before signaling anyway. Because that's what they teach in driving school? Give me a break. "Don't look before you signal" sounds ridiculous. Why be aware of your situation lol.
if I'm driving a tanker truck full of toxic waste, you still expect me to scrub off 15 mph to let you in? Or, how about looking and seeing the huge gap behind me, allow me to pass, then signal and change lanes.
 
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Most driver's ed courses and DMV sites, from a quick search, say you should signal at least 100 feet and anywhere up to 5 seconds before making your change.

They also say:
1. Signal
2. Check your mirrors and blind spot
3. Make your lane change when clear

So @Bossman sorry to say but that person seems to be doing exactly what most DMV's in the country want you to do. They should signal, check, see you there, and wait until you're by them, then make their change.
 
Most driver's ed courses and DMV sites, from a quick search, say you should signal at least 100 feet and anywhere up to 5 seconds before making your change.

They also say:
1. Signal
2. Check your mirrors and blind spot
3. Make your lane change when clear

So @Bossman sorry to say but that person seems to be doing exactly what most DMV's in the country want you to do. They should signal, check, see you there, and wait until you're by them, then make their change.
Yeah, it’s funny how many people, perhaps the majority in some places, have no idea how signals are intended to be used.

Even worse, they think people trying to abide by the rules are the bad drivers. Even faced with concrete evidence their opinion is incorrect, they’re steadfast.

Don’t get me wrong, I break traffic rules all the time. I speed frequently, and sometime change lanes within an intersection. I don’t always move over immediately for emergency vehicles. There are probably others.

But I don’t deny the existence of the rules, or criticize others for obeying them.
 

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