A word about turn signals. Yes, I want to talk about turn signals or rather the increasing lack of them. Perhaps the auto makers haven't neglected to put them in the cars, but rather people have forgotten or maybe were never taught the use of that little lever on the left side of the steering wheel.
Well it is quite ingenious. You move it down and it turns on the flashing light on the left side of the car. This means that at some point in time you intend to turn to the left. Hopefully sooner than later. If you push the lever up it turns on the flashing light on the right side of the car. This signals that you intend to turn right.
This is quite an invention. When I learned to drive you had to signal your intentions by placing your left arm out of the window. Down was stop, straight out was left and up was right. What a pain during the cold weather.
This little contraption works both during the daytime and at night. So it is okay to indicate which way you are turning in daylight. This will save some irritation on the part of the drivers behind you, who are trying to determine your intentions so they can either change lanes or stay where they are.
Also don't wait until the last minute to indicate these changes. I was taught you should signal at least 100 yards before turning. But I am not going to measure the time between the start of the signal and the actual turn as long as they are not simultaneously.
I find it very inconsiderate not to use this device. After all, it is not like you are part of the secret service and the president is riding with you so your movements must be secretative. Of course, if you are my deepest apologies.
If people aren't going to use them, shouldn't they be optional equipment???
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