This subject is of personal importance. I drive an automobile. I also ride a bicycle. I am concerned about which direction another automobile may take. I would prefer to make to make necessary adjustments in a timely manner. These adjustments can only occur if the other automobile operator is fastidious about utilizing their safety equipment accordingly . . . . .
The modern driver is being provided with a high amount of ‘safety gadgetry’; most of which goes underutilized, the turn signal being high on that list. The number of people who drive in modern society, and the amount of time spent behind the wheel, will statistically produce individuals who will shirk on the safety aspects of driving. Data has been collated which demonstrates that non-use of turn signals correlates to a high incidence of automobile accidents. Drivers, of necessity must safely operate their own vehicles and be aware of (the non-safe activities of) other drivers, concurrently.
Turn signals are an important and often improperly used part of the automobile safety arsenal. Driving has always been a challenge from the standpoint of safety. The early days of automobil-ling (sp) were not immune to accidents. Fatalities were part of the early automobile landscape. The initiation of safety devices in cars began in 1908: turn signals debuted in 1909. The utilization of turn signals wanes as the driver gains more confidence in their ability to operate the vehicle. Non-use of turn signals creates a minimal time space for the driver to see, assess and (appropriately) react / respond to the actions of the other driver.
The non-use of turn signals while driving can be likened to walking without complete awareness of the body. The beginning stages of walking are fraught with becoming accustomed to the new degree of mobility. Baby steps, holding on, developing coordination. Youngsters take great care when beginning the bi-pedal existence. So to with learning to drive. Learning to maneuver an automobile requires full attention. Stopping. Going. Turning. Watching out for other vehicles. Let’s not forget manual transmission . . . . The beginning stages of learning to drive can be rather overwhelming. Yet, one begins to gloss over (some of) the smaller nuances of driving as familiarity ensues.
Non-use of turn signals accounts for a significant total of roadway accidents. This is a consequence of proper turn signal utilization waning over time. Turn signals communicate the intentions of a driver and prompt accurate and more appropriate responses to the actions of that (same) driver. However, proper turn signal utilization, for some drivers, wanes, over time. According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), drivers fail to signal when switching lanes 48% of the time and fail to signal when turning 25% of the time. Crash rates resulting from neglected turn signals cause more crashes than distracted driving. The present turn signal system that relies solely on driver input can only be described as “defective”.
The onus of automobile safety is typically thrust upon the more diligent driver. Other drivers will frequently not use their turn signals. The slogan ‘watch out for the other guy’ is an admonishment regarding the hazards of driving. To drive an automobile is to expose oneself to undue, extremely harsh forces. These forces can damage property and severely impact life, to the point of taking life. The driver must be aware of what they do and what others do and are doing. Precautions must be taken, and measures must be enacted as one traverses the roads from point a to point b. Reading the flow of traffic and (possibly) making use of precognitive abilities can massively assist in achieving the goal of arriving at the destination in one piece.
Modern automobiles are well equipped to provide a high degree of ‘safety’ and comfort. Driving can become a, more or less, habitual process as time behind the wheel increases. Familiarity with the demands of driving gives rise to the non-use of turn signals and the high incidence of automobile accidents. Thus, the driver must operate their own vehicle and be aware of (the) other drivers, concurrently.
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