Indicators... Why not?

sunshinetours

newfoundglory wrote: »

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.

But there was somebody else around....!

Bottom line is you should always indicate in those type of situations as you may not know if someone else is around (I am not saying I do all the time but you can't argue with the sentiment). Hopefully there was no fine or anything attached just a quick word and off you go

sunshinetours

angeltreats wrote: »

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.

Indeed another cheap shot. I've seen all sorts of cars and drivers involved in not indicating and it is very frsutrating (and dangerous)

LittleMissAspie

I don't agree with not indicating when there's apparently no-one around. No driver should be complacent enough to think they haven't missed something.

Or there could be a pedestrian, cyclist or car just about to come round the corner, or out of a driveway in that second when you aren't looking. Humans can't look in all directions at once.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

LittleMissAspie wrote: »

I don't agree with not indicating when there's apparently no-one around. No driver should be complacent enough to think they haven't missed something.

Or there could be a pedestrian, cyclist or car just about to come round the corner, or out of a driveway in that second when you aren't looking. Humans can't look in all directions at once.

The complacency arises from motorists who think that indicating gives them a right of way, and who don't actually bother to check before moving. By only indicating if another road user would benefit from the signal, one is forced to be more observant.

Oh, and an indicating vehicle tells you nothing other than that vehicle has a yellow flashing light, so if a pedestrian sees a vehicle indicating left and then takes a course of action based on that signal, they've only got themselves to blame if the signal was in error, and they end up flying over the bonnet.

neilmcl

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

The complacency arises from motorists who think that indicating gives them a right of way, and who don't actually bother to check before moving. By only indicating if another road user would benefit from the signal, one is forced to be more observant.

I think that applies to most bus drivers then.

BeenieCat

LittleMissAspie wrote: »

I don't agree with not indicating when there's apparently no-one around. No driver should be complacent enough to think they haven't missed something.

Or there could be a pedestrian, cyclist or car just about to come round the corner, or out of a driveway in that second when you aren't looking. Humans can't look in all directions at once.

I totally agree with this.

I also can't stand people who think the pedestrian waiting to cross is happy to stand there in the p!ssing rain, waiting for you to pass, only for you to turn at the next junction.

I always indicate, and indicate as early as possible if it means the person waiting at the junction ahead can see where i'm going and get themselves ready to move earlier.

Kazipoo

My instructor always taught me that indicating was to show my intentions to other road users. Like many others, indicating is more of a habit for me and it is very rare (although not unheard of) that I forget to indicate. My mother told me that she thinks my driving is "erratic" because I indicate (she's one of the idiots that don't think they are necessary). I was led to believe that indicators are not legally required and therefore its not something you could be pulled for, but maybe I was misinformed.

Jakg

Inactive wrote: »

Sorry, it demonstrates poor driving skills, and can cause problems.

A driver should only indicate if it would help another road user that is there, or may reasonably be expected to benefit from them.

Seeing as the highway code says you should ALWAYS indicate when going to / from roads that sort of thing i'd say your wrong.

You don't need to indicate if your going round a parked car etc and theres no-one to indicate to, but why wouldn't you? Indication for me is a habit - doesn't mean I don't look to see whats around etc, it just means if I ever need to cross the centre line of the road, change lanes or turn off a road I always indicate. More indication can never be a bad thing...

Yes I don't "need" to indicate at an empty roundabout at 3AM, but whats the point of putting all the thought in about should I / shouldn't I when I can just do it?

BeenieCat

Inactive wrote: »

Sorry, it demonstrates poor driving skills, and can cause problems.

What possible "problems" could it cause to indicate when there's no one around to see it??? Not indicating causes problems.

If i was looking out of my bedroom window and watching a car driving by at 3am and saw them indicate, it wouldn't even cross my mind to think they were a bad driver. Quite the opposite actually.

Reggie_Rebel

dehaani wrote: »

Why don't they tell the police to start fining people who don't indicate?

Yer Plod is too busy not catching drivers using mobile phones