Indicators... Why not?

Inactive

dehaani wrote: »

I did a DriveTech course a few months ago, during the assessment I indicated on an empty road to turn left into an empty junction. The instructor told me I shouldn't have indicated because it demonstrated to him that I was unaware of the traffic conditions. I told him that I indicated for the benefit of a pedestrian who was waiting to cross the road in front of me. He wasn't happy at all but didn't say anything else about it.

So what problems could it cause?

You were correct to indicate under the above circumstances.

A prime example of indicating without giving thought, would be when waiting to leave a lay-by, right indicator goes on without thought for traffic from rear, driver sits in lay-by with indicator on causing concern to others.

Should wait until it is safe to leave lay-by, signal only if it would help anyone else.

jackieb

Inactive wrote: »

You were correct to indicate under the above circumstances.

A prime example of indicating without giving thought, would be when waiting to leave a lay-by, right indicator goes on without thought for traffic from rear, driver sits in lay-by with indicator on causing concern to others.

Should wait until it is safe to leave lay-by, signal only if it would help anyone else.

I agree with that. I wouldn't sit with my indicator on in those circumstances. I'd put it on before I was going to pull out. I always check my mirrors before I indicate. I'd still indicate even if there was nothing coming - it's habit - mirror, signal, manouvre - it's what I was taught.

dehaani

Inactive wrote: »

A prime example of indicating without giving thought, would be when waiting to leave a lay-by, right indicator goes on without thought for traffic from rear, driver sits in lay-by with indicator on causing concern to others.

To be honest, I'm fully aware that you shouldn't indicate in that circumstance. I'd say that I usually wouldn't indicate but then if it's busy I'll indicate simply in the hope that someone lets me out.

I know it's not right and that most people indicate in that case needlessly because they think they're supposed to.

Inactive

jackieb wrote: »

I agree with that. I wouldn't sit with my indicator on in those circumstances. I'd put it on before I was going to pull out. I always check my mirrors before I indicate. I'd still indicate even if there was nothing coming - it's habit - mirror, signal, manouvre - it's what I was taught.

Mirror, assess the situation, Signal, if it would help another road user that may be reasonably expected to be there or benefit from your signal, Manouvre.

goldspanners

if i wait at a roundabout for someone who fails to indicate thier intentions properly, good reason i give them the fingers at the very least.

BritRael

Inactive wrote: »

...A prime example of indicating without giving thought, would be when waiting to leave a lay-by, right indicator goes on without thought for traffic from rear, driver sits in lay-by with indicator on causing concern to others.

Should wait until it is safe to leave lay-by, signal only if it would help anyone else.

I always indicate in this situation, but always after first putting my foot on the brakes so that approaching vehicles can clearly see that I am not going to move off. When I see somebody in the same position (indicating or not) it certainly doesn't concern me but it does make me more aware and ready to react if necessary.

One thing that really does concern/annoy me is when vehicles are joining a dual-carraigeway or motorway (indicating or not) but do not give way. They simply continue driving in their about-to-disappear lane, blissfully unaware that they are about to cut up a vehicle on the main road which has right of way. The onus is on the joining vehicle to time his approach so that he merges with the traffic. He does not have the right to simply barge in and force other vehicles to take avoiding action.

I agree with the other points above about indicating when somebody will benefit from it. For this reason I always indicate (for example) when leaving a roundabout when there is vehicle waiting for me as I approach him. I hate it when I'm sitting at a roundabout obviously waiting for the only vehicle on it to go past me before I can move, only to see it lurch to the left in front of me at the last moment. Why do they do that??

anewman

PasturesNew wrote: »

Suddenly, from nowhere, a police car pulled me over. He'd been sat, parked, in the dead end road, hiding, lights off .... and pulled me over for not indicating!

Sounds like he was just being a w@nchor to me. Even Roadcraft the police drivers handbook says signals are for other road users benefit.

Rolandtheroadie

So whats the answer then.
Do we ALWAYS indicate, just incase even some of us perfect drivers miss another road user who may benefit from our signal?
Or do we NEVER indicate, incase we give someone the wrong idea, cause them to panic, swerve and kill a bus full of orphans.
I'm confused now.

newfoundglory

PasturesNew wrote: »

It was 3am one night in a small town when I approached a roundabout. Nothing around, houses all had lights off, no other vehicles anywhere to be seen on my journey. Dead as a doornail. Roundabout was 3 actual roads and the 4th was a short/small dead end residential road. Nothing about. Nobody .... dead .... so I didn't indicate on this small, local roundabout - indicating is for the use of other road users... there were none. 30mph, not a fast or busy road, just a normal everyday quiet road through a small town.

Suddenly, from nowhere, a police car pulled me over. He'd been sat, parked, in the dead end road, hiding, lights off .... and pulled me over for not indicating!

I think you were very much correct not to indicate in those circumstances. Reason: There is no point indicating unless there is someone around (be it traffic or pedestrians) who can actually benefit from it. Jobsworth Police officers clearly have nothing better to do with their time.

angeltreats

dehaani wrote: »

All the big, expensive cars seem to be the worst culprits. It is true!

It's not just the big expensive cars. My mate drives an Auris and I've never seen her indicate for a roundabout!

I honestly don't understand why you wouldn't. It's not like it takes a lot of effort.