Are Turn Signals an Option on Some Vehicles?

Everyday, on every road, there are vehicles making moves without any signal of their intention. This makes me wonder if these vehicles have a turn signal installed. I wasn't aware that these were available as an option, but maybe I'm wrong. Here are just a few of the things that I have witnessed on the roads near where I live.

Cell Phones

When a vehicle in front of you changes lanes without a signal, take note. This driver obviously isn't aware of what is happening around him or her. Maybe they're on the phone. No doubt it is more important than driving a vehicle in traffic with other vehicles carrying precious cargo in them. Or maybe he didn't purchase the turn signal option.

Text Messages

The cell phones of today are so sophisticated; they are an extension of the actual calling device itself. The guy driving in the vehicle directly in front has been swerving in his lane. It is dark, and his phone is visible thru the rear window of his car. He is text messaging before the sun comes up. Then he changes 2 lanes of traffic without a signal. It is an older car, and I'm pretty sure that the turn signals were not an option.

Childcare

An SUV is driving 55 mph in the middle lane of a three lane road. The person driving has been from one side of the lane to the other. It is plain to everyone around this vehicle that the driver is paying more attention to what is going on in the backseat than what is happening on the road. The light in front of the SUV changes, and without a turn signal, the vehicles hits the left turning lane. At the light, the driver is a woman, with three kids in the backseat. It was a newer imported SUV, so maybe the option was not offered, or cost too much.

Lights on, but Nobody's Home

A brand new German luxury vehicle has turned onto the parkway. It is still dark, and once the vehicle gets onto the main road, the interior light comes on. The car gets to the speed limit quickly as you might guess and gets in the left lane. There are several sweeping curves on this road, and 2 exits before the road ends. As the vehicle with the inside light on speeds thru the pre-dawn light, the driver appears to be pre-occupied within his car. As he approaches the first exit, and still in the left lane, without looking or giving a signal, he points his car very abruptly towards the exit. He has to slam on his brakes to keep from causing an accident at the toll booth. Most German vehicles come with everything you can think of, except maybe turn signals.

Driving School

Remember back in high school when you took your driving test? You had to read the book and take the actual driving test. The book states that you have to signal any intention to change lanes, or leave the roadway at least 500 feet before you make the move. Maybe most people have forgotten these rules. It's kind of like changing lanes in an intersection, which is another whole article. Even the local police and sheriffs seem to have forgotten these simple, but basic rules. They can mean the difference between life and death. There are accidents every hour of every day and probably because people have forgotten the first rule of driving-communication with the drivers around you.

Just some food for thought the next time you are out driving, and someone makes a turn without using a turn signal. If you can, look in the window and see whether or not the vehicle has a turn signal lever!