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Drivers who can't figure out how to use turn signals are everywhere. I thought the largest number of them was in Orlando until I noticed their license plates were from every state except Hawaii. They cut in front of other drivers when changing lanes, slow down for no apparent reason, and start signaling when they have almost finished turning. Some have perpetual turn signals. I was behind one of them on a highway once for about thirty miles, passing I don't know how many exits. When I left the highway, the car continued. It could still be traveling with that right turn signal going, five years later.

Using turn signals requires less thinking than adjusting the volume of the music. People could do it with their eyes closed, though I hope they don't. It is not necessary to stick one's arm out the window to signal a turn, so it can be done comfortably in all kinds of weather. Most or all cars place the lever in the same place in relation to the steering wheel. Up is right; down is left. What is so complicated about that?

Perhaps some are confused with lane changes. They don't result in turns, so turn signals aren't required, right? Wrong. Read the little book you had to study in order to get your license, or have someone read it to you.

Some slow down to 20 miles an hour before moving, into a right-turn-only lane, then start to signal. Oh, thank you for letting me know you aren't getting ready to move back into the lane in front of me. Every once in awhile one does, moving left while still signaling right.

While sitting in lanes for left or right turns only, I can see the logic of not leaving the signal blinking through two or three light changes. You're in a lane that only leads in one direction. While driving in a lane with the white arrows painted large enough for someone with 20/300 vision to see them, it's still good to keep the signal on. How else will the other drivers know that you aren't one of those "oops, can't I go straight from here? Better cut in front of someone" drivers?

If the fines for causing auto accidents were doubled if the drivers causing them were turning or changing lanes without signaling, perhaps there would be some improvement. If that didn't work, maybe something like red letters on the cars. Signs saying, "I am too stupid to use turn signals" might have more impact than, "I turn and change lanes without signaling."

Learn more about this author, Alicia Suenaga.
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