Why do so few drivers indicate these days?

bouicca21

Ive been told that I shouldn't always indicate as it shows habit rather than thought. I've also been told that it is not necessary to indicate if in e.g. A lane arrowed for a left turn only. Result: I'm confused.

I usually do indicate, though I'm never quite sure whether to do so in the filter lane situation (like how can I know whether the rest of the world knows that it is a filter lane). In my part of the world the direction arrows are likely to be invisible beneath cars ...

I signal to overtake a car and yes I signal for moving back into the left hand lane. Yet I often find it unnecessary to signal for overtaking a bike because I will wait until I can give it a very wide berth - I.e. Either with no oncoming traffic, or with a huge gap in oncoming traffic, especially if the cyclist looks wobbly.

I seem to be the only person who signals at roundabouts ...

Shimrod

prowla wrote: »

I drive a BMW and I do indicate.

However, they have changed the way the indicators work, so it is confusing canceling to turn them off.

Old car (BMW):
To indicate left: push the indicator stalk down so it clicks into place.
To cancel: lift the stalk back up to central position.

New car (BMW):
To indicate left just 3 blinks: dab the stalk down lightly and it will spring back to central position.
To indicate left continuously: push the stalk down so it clicks and it will spring back to the central position.

That's a setting in the car you can change to make it back to 'old car' style. I can't find my manual at the moment, but if you have an idrive vehicle have a look under settings.

Shimrod

bouicca21 wrote: »

Ive been told that I shouldn't always indicate as it shows habit rather than thought.

The flip side of course is that not indicating can show a lack of thought. I take the 'always indicate' approach. It's not a habit, but as someone mentioned earlier in the thread a 'belt and braces' approach. If I have missed anyone (and you never know who or what may suddenly turn up around a corner), at least they have some indication of my intent.

Cornucopia

bouicca21 wrote: »

Ive been told that I shouldn't always indicate as it shows habit rather than thought. I've also been told that it is not necessary to indicate if in e.g. A lane arrowed for a left turn only. Result: I'm confused.

The purpose of indicating is to show (in advance) your intentions to other road users, with the benefits of improving safety and making traffic flow more efficient.

I usually do indicate, though I'm never quite sure whether to do so in the filter lane situation (like how can I know whether the rest of the world knows that it is a filter lane). In my part of the world the direction arrows are likely to be invisible beneath cars ...

There's nothing wrong with indicating when using a filter lane, it's simply a situation where it's less necessary (because your manoeuvre should be consistent with the road markings).

I seem to be the only person who signals at roundabouts ...

Roundabouts are one of the main areas where signalling (particularly the left signal on exit) can improve traffic flow considerably. Personally, I would abolish the right turn indication for roundabouts, but make the left signal mandatory.

Rosemary7391

Strider590 wrote: »

I also don't indicate if i'm in a lane that can only go one way, though i'd indicate briefly to get into that lane.

bouicca21 wrote: »

Ive been told that I shouldn't always indicate as it shows habit rather than thought. I've also been told that it is not necessary to indicate if in e.g. A lane arrowed for a left turn only. Result: I'm confused.

I usually do indicate, though I'm never quite sure whether to do so in the filter lane situation (like how can I know whether the rest of the world knows that it is a filter lane). In my part of the world the direction arrows are likely to be invisible beneath cars ...

Cornucopia wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with indicating when using a filter lane, it's simply a situation where it's less necessary (because your manoeuvre should be consistent with the road markings).

As a pedestrian, I find it hugely helpful when people in turn only lanes indicate. I find it difficult to know which lanes are turn only when they're full of cars covering the markings!


I think people should indicate regardless of whether they think there is anyone around to see it, especially in urban settings. It's a little bit arrogant to assume you've seen all there is to be seen, no? Children or even short adults like me can be hard to spot in the streets I frequently walk down, due to the density of parked cars. Cyclists also move pretty quickly (compared to cars) down these roads. Yet hardly anyone bothers to indicate at the junctions.

EdGasket

Iceweasel wrote: »

I only indicate if these is someone to observe it and benefit from knowing what I intend doing.

Do you have some magical gift that makes you aware 100% of all the vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians who can see your car? I think not. Don't be so pig-headed and use your indicators!

DoaM

I guess BMW owners must be a bit "precious" these days and can't take an (old) joke? <rolleyes>

Iceweasel

DoaM wrote: »

I guess BMW owners must be a bit "precious" these days and can't take an (old) joke? <rolleyes>

No, no, - it was indeed funny - the first 1000 times.

Did you hear the one about the chicken who .......

Iceweasel

EdGasket wrote: »

Do you have some magical gift that makes you aware 100% of all the vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians who can see your car? I think not. Don't be so pig-headed and use your indicators!

The purpose of signals is to ‘...inform other road users of your presence and intentions. Think before you signal; indiscriminate signalling is not helpful to anyone.' Roadcraft page 100.

So - No - I will not use indicators unless I have a reason for doing so - to indicate every time simply shows a lack of awareness of one's surroundings.

I have no magical gift - only many years of experience and a high level of training.

I try to drive to at least the standards that are advocated in the police drivers' manual Roadcraft - but I have been trained well in excess of most UK police drivers.

I therefore only indicate if it will increase safety - both for me and other road users.

I suggest you read this:

http://www.drivingtesttips.biz/when-to-signal-when-driving.html

and this for those hoping to sit an advanced driving test - from eleven years ago:

http://www.advanced-driving.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?
f=2&t=17

and again here:

http://www.iam-bristol.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=245&Itemid=58

If you were to sit an advanced driving test and simply indicate every time for every manoeuvre without considering why - you will get adverse comments.

'Mirror, signal, manoueuvre' is a good mantra - but there may be no advantage or additional safety factor to be gained from signalling.

prowla

iammumtoone wrote: »

I am guilty :eek:

Thinking of my local area, there are is an occasion I don't indicate purely because no one else does so it hasn't really crossed my mind before.

On the approach to a roundabout, two lanes right side for going straight ahead and right, left side for going left.

If going straight ahead I get in right hand lane and don't indicate until I am past the turning left then indicate, if going right I indicate right, however if turning left I will admit to not indicating :eek: purely because I am in the correct lane and there is nowhere else for me to go other than left.

Your are correct it is wrong and I should still indicate I will do so in future (but will be the only one!)

It might be that the people waiting to come out at the next exit don't know that yours is a dedicated left turning lane and so are sitting there waiting for you.