What does a turn signal mean to you?
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11643)
United States
July 16, 2008 8:26am CST
I while back, a friend of mine made a comment about using turn signals. It seems that when my friend would signal to change lanes or merge into traffic, people would speed up a bit to close the gap between the cars and my friend would not be able to get into traffic.
I do notice that sometimes, but this morning was a prime example. I was merging into the main road and traffic was not heavy but there were some cars. There was enough room (with some to spare) for me to get over. I had my turn signal on and all of a sudden the car behind me hits the gas and blocks me from getting into traffic. I could tell that they did that because as soon as they passed me they had to slam on their breaks to keep from hitting the person in front of them.
Why do people do this? If there's room, let them in. It doesn't hurt anyone to stay at the same pace, I could understand if they thought they had to slow down so they kept going. But to speed up to make sure that someone doesn't get in front of you seems really rediculous!
Do you notice this happening? Or is it just around here?
2 people like this
6 responses
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jul 08
That's so true, people think one car is going to make a huge difference in their commute. I just let those people get in front of me, they're a bit dangerous to be around!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
18 Jul 08
It happens everywhere. People just get perverse pleasure from it I guess. I used to think it was because I was in a full size vehicle, and they were afraid they could not see around me, but it happens now that I drive very small vehicles, too. The worst that ever happened though, was when I was trying to pass a drunk on the interstate. They did enough reckless motions that I was sure they would kill myself and my kids. I wanted to pass them because they could not hold their lane. I reported them at the toll booth when I got off, because I had their license plate number.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
19 Jul 08
That is not fun having someone you can plainly see is not able to drive around you. I've called and reported them too - it's not safe to have them on the road.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Here in Minnesota we have some very courteous drivers. But we also have our share of the road hiogs that feel they have to be one car ahead of someone at all times. Not allowing a vehicle in front of them at all costs such as you described. I allow vehicles to get in front of me it is no big deal. One car distance is not going to make all that much difference to me on my travels so I allow them in. use common sense people and let other drivers onto the roadway or in front of you when possible.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jul 08
So often I see that person that just has to be in the front of the line. He'll tailgate everyone, weave in and out around the other cars to get ahead - he just can't stand for someone to be in front of him. I really don't understand that. We're going to get there eventually! I do think it's funny though when the person that has to be in front ends up getting stuck behind the wrong person and can't get out of it, but I'll usually let that person get way ahead of me so that if they cause an accident it's not with me!
@mmiller26 (1930)
• Canada
16 Jul 08
People are @ssholes, pure and simple. A lot of it depends on where you are, I guess. In Toronto, most everyone is courteous and will let you in and make room for you, simply because there are SO many cars on the road that if nobody was courteous, no one would get anywhere.
I moved to Windsor last year, and everyone out here drives poorly. There's a "me first" mentality, and everyone's racing to get where they want to go, and screw everyone else. I've nearly been shoved off the road by a guy in a pick up truck. I've been tailgated. If a lane is coming to an end, people that are four or five car lengths back will speed up and try to get around you at the last second. It's ridiculous. I can't tell if it's proximity to the border that makes people drive this way (a lot of people in the US drive badly as well), or if it's just poor teaching at the driving schools, but it makes me crazy. I've never seen such ignorance on the roads.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jul 08
It does seem like a lot of people are just looking out for themselves, not even realizing that there are other people out there! No wonder there are so many accidents.
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I think that tends to happen everywhere. People for one are in a hurry and aren't considerate of others when they are driving. They think they are the only one on the road distracted by other things such as cell phones, reading the paper, eating, putting on makeup just to name a few of the things people are distracted by these days. I try to be a driver that lets people over and if sitting in traffic, use courtesy in taking turns in letting people in front of me.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jul 08
There's a big campaign around here from a car insurance company about the dangers of distracted driving. I've noiced more and more how many people "multi-task" while driving. I'm sure that's a big reason why there are so many more accidents. I think if we can pay more attention and be a little more considerate things on the road would calm down a bit.
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I have noticed that many times in the interstate. That is why many people also are changing lanes without turning their signals on. Well, whether we like it or not there are many drivers who have this type of attitude. We just have to be patient and
careful while on the road. We can not trust all drivers. Most are not following the traffic rules.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jul 08
I think it's very important to be a defensive driver. I try to be aware of everyone around me becuase like it or not, people DON'T follow the rules. I also try to make sure I use my signal ALL the time (even when there's no one around me) and check over my shoulder for other vehicles. There seem to be so many accidents these days that could be avoided by just paying attention.
