Turn Signals, Blinkers or Directional Lights.
It has come to my attention that turn signals have become something that very few people use. Have we become turn signal challenged? Do you feel it is beneath you to use them? Has yours stopped working, but you are too cheap to get it into the Stealership to get it fixed? Well, let me refresh memories and instruct new users how to use this device.
Please note… using a turn signal IS THE LAW. Failure to do so can cost you a fine, not to mention the eternal hatred of your fellow drivers. In fact, the Uniform Vehicle Code specifies that the signal be given continuously during and not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
If your particular vehicle isn't equipped with "directional lights" (commonly known as turn signals or blinkers), then you are required to use the appropriate arm signal. Note I didn’t say hand signal. No waving of the arms…no pointing… meaning, no guess work for the other drivers. You extend your arm straight out the window for a left turn, or extend your arm out, bend upwards at the elbow to signal a right hand turn. Perhaps you learned this when learning how to ride a bicycle when you were younger. (Bicycle’s came out before the game boy, play stations, etc. This is how we kept our children from becoming over weight. But that is another story for another date).
First…let’s find it. The turn signal assembly or arm will be located on the left hand side of the steering wheel. It will look like a protruding arm, or lever, a rod with a fat end on it…you know…the thingamajig, the whatchamacallit, the turny thing…..whatever you want to call it. When you push it upwards, it will indicate you are making a right hand turn. If you push it downwards, it will notify others you are making a left hand turn.
The turn signal blinker notifies the car behind you when you are going to turn a corner. Besides it being the law, it is also called a “common courtesy”. Give the driver behind you a couple extra seconds to slow down (so they are not helping you turn the corner by "pushing you with their front end" )….or this allows them to pass into another lane so they don’t have to be bothered to slow down.
The turn signal blinker can also tell the other driver that you will be trying to move into their lane. Or as they see it...trying to cram your car into the small wedge of space in front of my car… so by signaling…this allows them to give you a few more inches…or speed up while saying “I don’t think so!”... and will allow you to try again with the car behind them.
Drive safe and remember to use the turn signal. It’s the law. And if you drive a car with your advertising on it..you don't want to be remembered in a bad way. Now, cover me. I'm changing lanes!
- Sherry Scales Austin Real Estate Specialist
- HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI
- 512-925-8928
- Contact me or Find your home here
- Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs
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