The Turn Signal Lament

[demetrakopoulos]

I don't think things are as bad in the UK generally, but people not signaling when coming off a roundabout is my major source of rage on the road. When you're on the roundabout, signaling doesn't really affect how people treat you but letting the next lane know that you're exiting can make the difference between staying and moving. Sitting there waiting to enter a roundabout and missing chance after chance because people don't indicate is just fury inducing.

I've driven in England before. I think the only time when I ever saw dickish behavior was in roundabouts for precisely the reasons you stated. Otherwise, I was amazed at how pedantically everyone stuck to the "highway code." No excessive lane changing, no cruising in the passing lane, everyone signals, and no texting while driving. When I brought my then girlfriend to the states the first time and I was taking her back from the airport, she's looking at all the traffic chaos and shouts, "It's a bloody free-for-all!"

 

[pappymac]

And all this time I thought turn-signals were optional equipment they didn't want to pay for.

 

[jefflee01]

Here in SC it happens all the time. Either not using turn signals no headlights when required late turn signals (irks me to hell) tailgaters and overall stupidity on the roads at times. If it weren't for the need to go out to get the stuff we need or to the ham club meeting or cert meetings every month I'd stay home and say to hell with getting out in traffic.

 

[sablebrush52]

Jeez, all this whining about turn signals and headlights and stopping at red lights...

What's wrong with you all? Haven't any of you heard of combat driving?