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Why should we use our indicators/signals?

Ok, we’ll start gently so as not to frighten anyone, and so everyone can keep up and understand the basics.

Not too difficult this:  Indicators/signals are added to the outside of cars and other motor vehicles so that their drivers can indicate/signal externally to other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, what that driver next intends to do in that vehicle, i.e. which direction they next intend to travel in.

The reasons here are fairly simple.  Using indicators/signals will help to prevent, amongst other things, many unnecessary accidents, damages, injuries, deaths, incredible losses, guilt, court appearances, lengthy prison sentences and/or emotional and financial ruin.

Other road users, pedestrians included (who often have a need to cross from one side of a road to the other), would appreciate knowing that you may be coming in their direction.   Despite many motorists apparent belief, other road users and pedestrians are not all clairvoyant.

Hopefully this simple action of using your indicators/signals should also stop your ears from burning, due to the storm of abuse and metaphorical daggers, knives, lances and various other assorted sharp and painful objects that most every other user of the road is likely to hurl at you when you don’t use them.

Where should you use your indicators/signals?

When changing direction, turning into a different road than the one you’re currently on, or if planning to suddenly stop on the side of the road for no apparent reason:

This often requires the use of breaks too, so I’ll take it slowly for those of you who find it difficult to multi-task.  Please remember:  Mirror (check your mirror to see who’s around), Signal/Indicate (let those around know what you intend to do), Manoeuvre (carry out the intended manoeuvre in a safe manner).

On roundabouts/traffic circles:

This will give other road users a tiny clue as to where you intend to exit said gyratory.

At traffic lights/signals/intersections:

Traffic lights do not, despite popular belief, have the ability to forward your thoughts on to all the other drivers waiting at them.

So, now let’s review what we’ve learned

Following the simple Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre practice in your driving will bring great benefit to all, particularly people behind you.  Breaking in good time for your manoeuvre will also have the added benefit of saving the bacon of the driver behind who might otherwise be faced with the dilemma of whether to smash into your rear end or to swerve into the path of oncoming traffic.

I do hope that you have enjoyed this hopefully light-hearted and humorous way of looking at the use or lack thereof of indicators/signals in common driving practices today.  However, while having a wee chuckle or chortle, I’d also ask you to spare a thought for those people who have lost their lives and those that have lost friends and loved ones through the careless attitude of others on the road.

Drive safely….