Driving

[aaronc879]

Regarding lane changes, I activate my turn signal as I START my lane change, not three seconds prior.

Then you are doing it wrong. Three seconds may be a bit much but the purpose of the turn signal is to let other drivers know what your intent is. That means you use it BEFORE you turn or change lanes. Using it as you are turning is useless and defeats the purpose.

 

[yhoomajor]

Then you are doing it wrong. Three seconds may be a bit much but the purpose of the turn signal is to let other drivers know what your intent is. That means you use it BEFORE you turn or change lanes. Using it as you are turning is useless and defeats the purpose.

Agree. The whole purpose of giving turn indicator is to let other drivers know of your intention to turn lane. So that they can adjust/prepare for your move.

Giving the indicator when you start the move serves very little purpose, if any. Its not like your car won't be able to turn without a turn signal

 

[aaronc879]

Going back to the example of Germany, the cost of a license is only a small fraction of the cost of a decent used car. Vehicle inspections are incredibly strict and naturally raise the cost of cars since anything with defects is not allowed on the road. Also, your license is issued for life over there.

There are also excellent intercity train lines and bus/subway/tram lines in most towns. So there are many reasons why their system has never been implemented here. People in Germany just don't travel around as much as we do. I once had a friend who lived in Frankfurt until he was in his 30s. I asked if he had ever been to the Oktoberfest in Munich, and he said "Oh, no. That's much too far." (It's less than 250 miles).

Yeah, driving really is a necessity in many parts of the US. In a major city you may be able to get by using public transportation but that's not the case in rural areas or smaller cities. In Wisconsin it would be unsafe to walk on snow covered streets with no sidewalk which is the case in a lot of places. Public buses don't cover every inch of roadway, they could leave you with a mile or more to walk in some cases. Not safe to bike either in those situations. That means driving is the only way for many people to get to work. Not all can afford an Uber all the time. As long as they can pass a test then there should not be a large financial burden to drive. I think re-testing more often could be a reasonable thing. It could start after age 50 or 60 or after any kind of traffic violation. Penalties for repeat driving violations should be greatly increased including losing your car and license after a second DUI or reckless driving charge.

 

[TheWizard]

Then you are doing it wrong. Three seconds may be a bit much but the purpose of the turn signal is to let other drivers know what your intent is. That means you use it BEFORE you turn or change lanes. Using it as you are turning is useless and defeats the purpose.

Wrong.
I've already verified in my mirror that's it's safe to change lanes and that nobody is coming up fast in that lane.
So I put on my turn signal, or sometimes just tap it for three flashes, and immediately begin my gradual merge into that lane.

Someone earlier mentioned putting on turn signal and the car in that lane would speed up to prevent the lane change.
Doing it my way tends to prevent that...

 

[aaronc879]

Wrong.
I've already verified in my mirror that's it's safe to change lanes and that nobody is coming up fast in that lane.
So I put on my turn signal, or sometimes just tap it for three flashes, and immediately begin my gradual merge into that lane.

Someone earlier mentioned putting on turn signal and the car in that lane would speed up to prevent the lane change.
Doing it my way tends to prevent that...

Driver testing definitely needs to be most stringent.

 

[folivier]

At w#rk we had the Smith system yearly for almost 30 years. Very good system and has kept me from being in accidents numerous times.

 

[Venturer]

Two words for you "defensive driving." Years ago I rode a motorcycle and took the MSF test plus read more than my fair share of motorcycle safety books, all of which made me a better vehicle driver and gave me an appreciation of the physics behind driving. On interstates around Chattanooga you pretty much have to go with the flow, 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit or get run over. And yes there are idiots lane swapping constantly causing accidents. Throw in inclement weather conditions and can bet there will always be an accident at the 24/75 split and the 24 ridge cut. Try to do most of my driving between rush hours and very seldom drive after dark. Again, defensive driving and never get in a hurry are keys to avoiding accidents, at least in my way of thinking.

I'm 25 miles S of you in Ga. most times when we go up there I take back roads. Before the remodel of the 75/24 split it was much worse to try and go north on I 75 towards Ktown. Now if going on I24 I get off on Ga. 2 over thru Ft. O and then back on I24 to bypass the mess. If on my motorcycle I stay off the interstates completely, too many crazies trying to kill me on there!

 

[O2Bfree]

Just a suggestion here. Long ago I had a summer job driving a phone company truck, and they gave us a two day driving school using the Smith System. I thought it was great, and I still use those techniques today.

I find that type of broad focus and awareness to be relaxing.

 

[O2Bfree]

Regarding lane changes, I activate my turn signal as I START my lane change, not three seconds prior.

Isn't it better to activate it a couple seconds before? I always do, in case I missed seeing a motorcycle or someone changing lanes behind me with no signal. Also, the law says to signal at least 100 feet before you make your move.

 

[TheWizard]

Isn't it better to activate it a couple seconds before? I always do, in case I missed seeing a motorcycle or someone changing lanes behind me with no signal. Also, the law says to signal at least 100 feet before you make your move.

I don't really want to split hairs over how many tenths of a second elapse from when I start my turn signal to when my first tire crosses the white line into the adjacent lane.
The point is: you've already verified that it's safe to change lanes, so your signal is a courtesy to other drivers not a request for permission.

Now there is a case where I put my left turn signal on SEVERAL seconds before pulling into that lane. That case is on a two lane (rural) highway, one lane in each direction. Typically a truck will be driving a bit under the speed limit in front of me and my goal is to pass him in the opposing lane once it's legal (no solid yellow line) and once oncoming traffic has passed.
So my turn signal goes once the last of opposing traffic approaches, to alert vehicles in my lane that I'm going to be pulling out and gunning it very shortly.

And for those who are new to passing on rural two-lane highways, the speed limit does not apply during the passing maneuver...

 

[Moparguy392]

I agree with Badger. I rode motorcycles for years although my Doctor friend called them Donorcycles. They do give you an acute situational awareness in traffic that carries over to normal daily driving.

 

[Trailwalker]

I haven't driven for seven weeks in Mazatlan. 13 pesos (about 75 cents) gets you a bus ride pretty much anywhere in the city.

During our road trip here, we experienced the Mexican turn signal. Most two lane roads use the middle striped line as a third lane for passing. A left turn signal is used to let the driver behind know that it's okay to pass. The driver being passed moves towards the shoulder (as does any oncoming traffic to the opposite shoulder). That opens up the invisible third lane for passing. Sounds crazy but it works and is the custom here.

Driving at night can be dangerous here, due to wandering cows in the middle of the road, huge unmarked potholes, and unmarked topes (speed bumps).

 

[FIYes]

Like others have mentioned I usually avoid rush hour. I consider avoiding rush hour to be a perk of retirement. I also avoid driving in inclement weather. On the rare occasion when I get caught in rush hour traffic I am reminded of why I avoid it!

Another strategy to reduce my driving anxiety is to drive a newer model vehicle with the new safety features. Backup cameras are great! I traded vehicles a few years ago just to get the new safety features. I like the blind spot warning and variable cruise control. I tend to keep cars for a long time, but I am very glad I traded to get the new safety features.

I don’t enjoy interstate driving and do very little of that. I don’t like being around the large trucks on the interstate.

 

[DrRoy]

I also avoid driving at night. It doesn't happen much, and DW usually does it. I used to drive ~20K miles/yr for work, and I don't miss it.

 

[splitwdw]

One of the car clubs we belong to have a defensive driving class every year. We also have local or State police give a talk every couple of years.
Just because you don't think you need to use your turn signal in advance doesn't mean it's a safe practice. Doesn't matter if there is no other traffic you can see, some of you are getting older and don't always see that vehicle coming from behind. You should automatically be using your turn signal in advance.
Those of you that think it's a good practice to slow down and block other people from passing you need a driver safety class. You don't know the frame of mind of the person behind you. Our police advise getting out of the way, even if you have to pull to the shoulder of the road. Doesn't matter if you have a gun, the other person could be quicker and faster, and you endangered yourself and any passengers.
When I encounter a person driving slow or fast I try to remember there could be a reason other than stupidity. It could be an older driver that's taking their time and being careful. Maybe the other driver has an emergency. Give the other guy a break, it will only take a few minutes.

 

[O2Bfree]

Those of you that think it's a good practice to slow down and block other people from passing you need a driver safety class. You don't know the frame of mind of the person behind you. Our police advise getting out of the way, even if you have to pull to the shoulder of the road. Doesn't matter if you have a gun, the other person could be quicker and faster, and you endangered yourself and any passengers.

This happened to me just yesterday on a road with a 30 mph speed limit. I noticed two big shiny trucks coming up fast behind me, one in my lane and one in the left turn lane. The one in the turn lane tried to pass, but the other gunned it to block him. I pulled over to the bike lane and let them roar by. Then I caught up with them at the intersection two blocks away. Their light was red, and I rolled slowly by them in the left turn lane, leaving them behind as my light turned green. Got to wonder what they did on the next section of road where the speed limit is 25.

 

[O2Bfree]

I also avoid driving at night. It doesn't happen much, and DW usually does it. I used to drive ~20K miles/yr for work, and I don't miss it.

Most of the fatal accidents I see in the local news happen in the wee hours of the morning. Typically speed and alcohol/drugs are involved. And if it's a DUI, typically innocent people die and the drunk survives.

 

[Car-Guy]

Just because you don't think you need to use your turn signal in advance doesn't mean it's a safe practice. Doesn't matter if there is no other traffic you can see, some of you are getting older and don't always see that vehicle coming from behind. You should automatically be using your turn signal in advance.
Those of you that think it's a good practice to slow down and block other people from passing you need a driver safety class. You don't know the frame of mind of the person behind you. Our police advise getting out of the way, even if you have to pull to the shoulder of the road. Doesn't matter if you have a gun, the other person could be quicker and faster, and you endangered yourself and any passengers.
When I encounter a person driving slow or fast I try to remember there could be a reason other than stupidity. It could be an older driver that's taking their time and being careful. Maybe the other driver has an emergency. Give the other guy a break, it will only take a few minutes.

+1

 

[Jerry1]

It could be an older driver that's taking their time and being careful.

That’s the first thing I think of when I come up on someone driving slow. I didn’t used to think that way but age will change the way one thinks. When you get older your thoughts change from that could be me someday to that will be me some day to I’m getting like that myself . . .

 

[Badger]

Just because you don't think you need to use your turn signal in advance doesn't mean it's a safe practice. Doesn't matter if there is no other traffic you can see, some of you are getting older and don't always see that vehicle coming from behind. You should automatically be using your turn signal in advance.
Those of you that think it's a good practice to slow down and block other people from passing you need a driver safety class. You don't know the frame of mind of the person behind you. Our police advise getting out of the way, even if you have to pull to the shoulder of the road. Doesn't matter if you have a gun, the other person could be quicker and faster, and you endangered yourself and any passengers.
When I encounter a person driving slow or fast I try to remember there could be a reason other than stupidity. It could be an older driver that's taking their time and being careful. Maybe the other driver has an emergency. Give the other guy a break, it will only take a few minutes.

+1
Here is what Florida law states about using turn signals. I bet it is similar in most other states.
"Florida Statutes Section 316.155 establishes the legal requirements regarding turn signals in the Sunshine State. Specifically, it provides that no person may turn a vehicle unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and only after giving an appropriate signal. This requirement applies whenever any other vehicle may be affected by the movement. In addition, a person using a turn signal must do so the following way:

Give the signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning
No person may stop or suddenly decrease their speed without first giving a signal
Use a signal when turning or overtaking a vehicle"

As far as the gun issue you may want to be aware that Florida is considering a permitless carry. Look out for the "Florida man".

Cheers!

 

[braumeister]

My attitude on the road is "We're all in this together, so let's try to cooperate."

I know that's not what many other drivers are thinking, but it keeps me out of trouble.

 

[braumeister]

Give the signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning

That's interesting, because when I got my first license, a long time ago in NY, I distinctly remember that the standard was 200 feet before turning. I just looked it up and NY now also says just 100 feet.

 

[youbet]

That's what my car horn is for now - to wake up those drivers not moving at green light!

While road rage has abated somewhat here from years ago, it's still risky honking at folks. It's just asking to get shot or punched or have your door panel kicked in. Therefore I'm pretty generous with my waiting time before hitting the horn and sticking my chin out. (I'm 75, walk with a cane, and never was much of a fighter. Your situation may differ if you're younger/stronger and itchin' for a fight.)

On the expressways, live by this rule: if you are being passed on the right (because you are moving too slowly for that lane), then you need to MOVE to the right.

I do it this way....... If I'm not passing someone, I drive to the right whether someone is passing me on the right or not.

 

[Car-Guy]

While road rage has abated somewhat here from years ago, it's still risky honking at folks. It's just asking to get shot or punched or have your door panel kicked in. Therefore I'm pretty generous with my waiting time before hitting the horn and sticking my chin out. (I'm 75, walk with a cane, and never was much of a fighter. Your situation my differ if you're younger/stronger and itchin' for a fight.) I do it this way....... If I'm not passing someone, I drive to the right whether someone is passing me on the right or not.

If you ever watch Russell Crow in "Unhinged", you will permanently disconnect your horn.

 

[bltkmt]

Over the past five years I have developed some sort of highway anxiety - my hands sweat and cramp up and in my head I am going to crash. I am fine on city streets and generally up to about 50mph. I hate it but am not sure what to do about it.