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Driving safely is the fundamental expectation of every motorist on the road. Know where you are going before you turn the key and communicate your intentions to others whenever the need arises. Sufficient notice will minimize the likelihood of an accident. Similarly, too much notice could serve to confuse. Countries and states will differ on what is reasonable, but the objective is invariably the same the world over.

The indicator lights on a motor vehicle are no more or less important than any other on-board device. They serve to alert others of your intentions. Providing adequate warning of an intended maneuver, particularly in heavy traffic, is not only courteous it is a safety precaution. Any change in direction of travel affects other drivers. The nature of the chain reaction which follows depends on the length and clarity of the notice given. Most importantly, it should always be aforethought that deploying an indicator does not imply any priority of passage nor guarantee acknowledgment.
Every part of a machine is prone to malfunction at anytime without notice. The electronic indicator is a device which at best can only assist to maintain a safe traffic environment.

As often as not, road rage results from a perception of blatant disregard for others. It is generally the case that inadequate communication has transpired between road users. That is to say, while the responsibility rests with one driver to signal his intentions, it is equally onerous of all drivers, cyclists and even pedestrians to be aware of each others' presence and behavior.

Very few cyclists can boast a mirror configuration which enables a three hundred and sixty degree view of the road around them. In short they are extremely vulnerable. Therefore, hand signals are imperative to maintain a healthy relationship with traffic.

Heavy traffic environments can be exacerbated by treacherous weather conditions or dark cloudy nights. Visibility is reduced and consequently so is our reaction time to potential hazards. In such situations, nothing is more important than keeping abreast of the movement of other vehicles and ensuring that any turn or diversion is executed safely and with the cognizance of other motorists.

Learn more about this author, Leonard J Sherrott.
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