Indicator for turning left of right.

@dpk262006 (58675)
Delhi, India
December 24, 2008 3:47am CST
I drive a lot in the heavy traffic of my metropolitan city almost everyday. While taking a turn, I make it a point to turn my indicate ‘on’, so that the vehicles following me could come to know, which way I am going to take turn. However, many a times, while struck in heavy traffic, I find that half of the motorist do not bother to put their vehicles’ ‘indicator on’ so that the vehicle behind theirs could come to know, which way they are going to take turn, specially on a crossing or red lights. I wonder, why do those lazy drivers behave in such a indifferent manner. It takes less than a second to turn the ‘right’ or ‘left’ indicator ‘on’ and in cars etc. the indicator gets back ‘off’ mode automatically after the turn is taken, even then drivers do not care to keep their indicator ‘on’. What could be the possible reasons in your opinion, (i) do they remain in great hurry, it means that they do not have time to turn their indicators ‘on; (ii) Do they remain unmindful of the fact that many vehicles are following them; (iii) Are they careless people and they do not have any sympathy or concern for others; or (iv) they assume that the vehicle following them would automatically come to know to which side they are going to turn. Would like to know your views on this issue. Thanks in advance.
3 people like this
17 responses
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
24 Dec 08
Good friend of mine was in India and said that driving in Delhi is a challenge. He also complained lazy drivers. I think we can say the same about taxi drivers in Downtown Chicago, Manhattan NY and many crowded metropolitan areas. Other than downtown, I don't have a problem in Chicago. Most drivers are responsible and polite. Happy Holidays Deepak,
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
30 Dec 08
Thank you, my Christmas was great...
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
30 Dec 08
Hope your new year would also be great like your Christmas!!
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
HI! Pola! Yes, driving on Delhi roads is a real challange and the intensity of the challange is increasing day by day, as more and more vehicles are coming on the roads. Nice to know that you do not have problem, in this regard in Chicago. Deepak P.S. - Hope you would have enjoyed your Christmas!!
• India
24 Dec 08
No its not laziness Deepak but utter apathy for any kind of social etiquette which is so prevalent in our society. No matter how educated we become, we are yet to show courtesy and respect to the people around us. How many of us say ‘sorry’ when we mistakenly step on toes, how many of us say ‘good morning’ or ‘thank you’. It’s a strange malady…complete disregard for another person’s comfort. Add to that the fact that the driving schools are not stringent at all on discipline and rules and also that in India, you can get away with almost anything. The very attitude is that “when I’m driving, the road is my dad’s” ! Anyway, cool down now, its Christmas eve and there’s festivity all round. I am planning to rush out of office, and visit the nearest cake shop with my son. Foodies that we both are, its time to forget the calories!
1 person likes this
• India
30 Dec 08
Hi Deepak, Yes our names have almost similar meanings! The cake's all consumedbut I'll keep you in mind next time. Happy New Year to you and your family
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
30 Dec 08
It is very bad that you consumed all the cake, without keeping a share for me..........!! Next time/occasion is one year away, please arrange to send the cake before that.....LOL! A VERY VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND SWEET LITTLE PRINCE AND ALL OTHER IN YOUR FAMILY.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
HI! Sudipta! How are you? Do you know that meaning of your and my name are almost similar.........!!!! Back to your response, I buy your arguments and some of the people do not have the etiquettes to drive on the road and they are just 'insensitive' drivers, driving on busy road, thinking the all roads belong to their Dads. You have also made a valid point, erring drivers think that they can get away with any thing and they damn care about the traffic rules. Many thanks for sharing and venting out your feeling like me.........LOL! dpk P.S. - Did you enjoy your cake? You could have passed on some of the pieces of it to me too, so I could have also enjoyed.......LOL!
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
29 Dec 08
I come across these kind of drivers a lot and have had many close shaves. They are extremely careless drivers and need to be more mindful. There are some 2 wheeler drivers and auto rickshaw drivers who turn thier heads in the direction sometimes and expect people to think that it is an indication to turn. At the same time i also see people who give the indicators and thendo not turn, that gets quite confusing and dangerous for the traffic behind as well.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
I buy your arguments and some of the people do not have the etiquettes to drive on the road and they are just 'insensitive' drivers, driving on busy road, thinking the all roads belong to their Dads. Erring drivers think that they can get away with any thing and they damn care about the traffic rules.Yes, you have rightly mentioned that some 'smart' guys are there on the roads, who even after giving indication do not take the requisite turn and this may result into an accident. How are you Alok! Thanks for joining and sharing.
@SViswan (12051)
• India
25 Dec 08
I don't drive any vehicle but I've seen this happening a lot in Bangalore. It's just disrespect for everyone concerned. As you know, most people who drive on Indian roads think they are the only ones on the road....and they can drive anyways they want without caring about anyone else. This same attitude translates to turning the indicator on too. On a funny note, they probably think everyone following them can read their minds!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
Hi! SV! How are you? I buy your arguments and some of the people do not have the etiquettes to drive on the road and they are just 'insensitive' drivers, driving on busy road, thinking the all roads belong to their Dads. Yes, your are right........some of them think that others have 'powers' to read their mind...........LOL! Thanks for joining us.
@riyasam (16556)
• India
24 Dec 08
i have never understood some peoples attitude.i find it so difficult,when the vehicle before me doesnt put the indicator on.maybe ,they are plain careless or may be having a happy -go-lucky attitude.maybe they are over-confident of their driving skills. merry christmas and happy new year
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
Riya! Their carelessness could prove costly for others, and those people forget that sometimes they could also be on the receiving end. If those people could feel a bit concerned about others and could show some kind of sympathy, I think many a accidents could be avoided and traffic flow could smoothen. Many thanks for sharing and for extending your wishes! A very Happy New Year to you too!!
• United States
24 Dec 08
I think that this is such a pertinent issue. I use my turn signal every time I need to make a turn. It does not matter if I am on country roads, or the highway. I like to be safe and I do not assume that the people behind me can read my mind and know when I want to turn. I think that the use of the turn signal is decreasing daily. I think that some people are just careless, or they are too lazy to reach over and turn it on. Others think they are indestructable and that they will never get in an accident. I think that my area is ok about using the turn signal, but it could be better. When I am travelling to different states, there are many more people that do not use the signal. I guess you have to adapt to the way people drive in the area that you live in, but I wish people would be a bit safer and take the time to use their turn signals.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
It is good to know that you always use your turn signal, it shows that how caring and sensibile person you are. Some drivers' carelessness could prove costly for others, and those people forget that sometimes they could also be on the receiving end. If those people could feel a bit concerned about others and could show some kind of sympathy, I think many a accidents could be avoided and traffic flow could smoothen. Many thanks for appreciating the post and responding the same.
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
24 Dec 08
Thanks for a good discussion Deepak. I think, it could be all of those that you have mentioned there which I guess can be summed up as CARELESS and lack of AWARENESS of the people. We are basically a bunch of careless freaks who not only have little concern for others but also do not have the understanding that we ourselves might even get affected. And also there is another fact, an alarming one, our judicial system. We can get away with anything and everything. Unless and until the legal system would be sound and balanced we would not be concerned and careful. Thanks for your concern, Deepak and I really appreciate you starting this discussion.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
24 Dec 08
Thanks for your nice words about starting a discussion on thsi issue. I appreciate the point, which you have added that people are not afraid of being panelized and I may add here that at some of the places laws are such that people even if the break the laws go scot free. If a law in this regard is made that it will be compulsory to turn your indicator 'on' at each and every crossing, perhaps people may start following the same (as wearing a helmet while driving a motor bike is compulsory in our city, else you get penalized, if caught). I also buy your argument on the point that people neither have any concern for themselves nor for others, who are on the road.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
31 Dec 08
I think most people that do not use their car's blinkers are careless or maybe too lazy to care. I personally like to let others know that I plan to make a turn. Though I have forgotten on an occasion or 2. But for the most part I always use my blinkers. Heck, I even use them when no one is around and I am making a turn, as it good practice to use them.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
31 Dec 08
It is good to know that you drive very carefully on the road and you show carefulnes for others on the road. I am delighted to know it. Keep it up! Thanks for joining. A VERY VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!
@cupid74 (11388)
• Pakistan
24 Dec 08
hi Dear It used to happened but now awareness is rising among people and they start using indicator to convey their messages But still there are people who do that and i would say they are either carelesss and unmindfull people, but i do agree its not only very irritating bt also can cause accident Take care
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
Do you see that people are becoming more sensible now, atleast in your area? I do not find such change in my city. Thanks for sharing.
@cupid74 (11388)
• Pakistan
30 Dec 08
Hi deepak well, yeah its improving, specially fear of fine is doing the trick Take care
@jnk3dfx (721)
• India
30 Dec 08
I think They dont have indicators or thier idicaters are not working. I have been using my bike since few years, but since from Day 1 i am used to with switching indicaters. I reduces accidents which are cuased by confusion. Even my indicater has beep sound, most of my friends told me to remove that sound. But i feel its a safe thing to have sound with indicaters, as most of the time people dont get the sign from indicaters during day time. Then if you have sound along with indicaters atleast they will respond to it. Usually those guys who wont turn indicaters, are either lazy or irresponsible people, i should say the trafic petrol take some action to book thier licence. Anyways this will remain a just a talk, until some one take action on it. Have a nice day. Regards, Jnk3dfx.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
30 Dec 08
You are doing a very good job and helping others prevent the accidents. Please keep it up. Many thanks for dropping in. Happy new year to you.
@mokbul (616)
• Singapore
24 Dec 08
It is norm and requirement that indicator light should be turned on give indication vehicles behind in which way you are turning. It is necessity to turn on indicator when you are changing lanes in an expressway. While turning to left or right exit lanes there clear demarcated lanes are their so it would not be a problem for vehicles behind so long they remain in their respective lanes. Those who does not do it actually violates the regulations and will be punished if caught. All probable reason you have already mentioned. I would rather think that in busy traffic up to last moment they can not make up their mind on which way they they will change the lane.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
When it is a norm and requirement, all drivers must invariably follow the rules, however, some of them choose not to do so. And if some of the drivers cannot make up their minds, till last moments, about the turn they are going to take, then they should learn the driving and traffic norms on a busy road. Many thanks for sharing and joining us.
@srganesh (6340)
• India
30 Dec 08
It is the negligence of the drivers to switch on indicators or show signal by hands.The traffic police shall well get their nose into this matter and advice those drivers. Moreover I like to insist people to show hand signals alone in daytime.Because the headlight panels of most vehicles are faded to enough to show indications in a bright sunlit day.The indicators shall be used only in night times.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
30 Dec 08
Yes, I appreciate your idea of using hand signals. Thanks for sharing.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
31 Dec 08
I think it's all of the above. In my state there is a law that if you hit someone in the rearend it is automatically your fault.The accident.So then you are liable to pay for the damages. Sometimes I think people are doing it on purpose so they will get hit and you will have to pay alot. It's different in many places but that's one reason I think they do it here.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Jan 09
Some of the People are selfish and careless, when they drive. They do not care about others. Thanks for responding.
• India
11 Jan 09
hello my friend dpk262006 Ji, Well, it is simply can be termed as carelessness bu any one. Mostly people do not adhere to traffic rules, they risk thier lies and as well as others. i have seen, people not switching to normalacy, after they have turned either ways as well. people try and take over from where they get slight space and create traffic Jam. It is very comon in places like Bangalore/Delhi/Kanpur (India). While, I was in US (Miami-area), my son never used horn, here we require horn every minute. People should be traffic minded. Let's cultivate good habits. May god bless everyone to follow common traffic rules and have a great day.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Jan 09
Hi! Yes, you are right that people have scant regards for traffic rules, they show utter carelessness on the roads, as the roads belong to them. I fail to understand, whey cannot they disciplien themselves. Traffic in Metro cities is huge problem. Thanks for sharing and joining us.
@WebMann (4731)
• Canada
24 Dec 08
People every where around the world drive like this. Well at least in every place I have heard about. In my opinion it's just laziness that gets to be a habit. Just like people that don't put on their seatbelt until they are already driving down the road.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
Lazy people do not realise, how costly could their laziness prove for others. Thanks for sharing.
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
24 Dec 08
I do not drive, but while traveling with my hubby I heard the same from him like a whisper in anger, 'why these people are not bothered to put the indicator on'. When I saw your discussion first I remembered his words. Usually I am not caring all these things and those are meant for the people who drive. In your options, I will go with the third option, 'they are careless people and they do not have any sympathy or concern for others'. If they concerned for others then they will definitely bother to obey the rules while driving. It is very necessary to obey the rules especially in the busy roads otherwise it leads to accidents..... Thanks for the post; the issue is an important one.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
Their carelessness could prove costly for others, and those people forget that sometimes they could also be on the receiving end. If those people could feel a bit concerned about others and could show some kind of sympathy, I think many a accidents could be avoided and traffic flow could smoothen. Many thanks for appreciating the post and responding the same.
• United States
24 Dec 08
This is a problem all over the world, some people just don't think about anybody on the road but themselves.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 08
I agree with your point of view.