Please, people, use turn signals

Turn signals have come as standard equipment on vehicles for decades. I have done exhaustive research on all the car, truck and bus manufacturers I could find. Not one manufacturer offers turn signals as an option. They all come as standard equipment on all vehicles designed to be on the roads. Even motorcycles have them!

I assume they were introduced because there was a lot more traffic on the road, and it would be safe and polite to let the other drivers know your intentions.

When I was learning to drive, I was taught hand signals for turns and stops. I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone use them.

Turn signals are very easy to operate. You don’t even have to roll down your window and stick your arm out. I assume that when you are in a left or right turn lane, you are going to turn, not decide at the last second you want to go straight, and dart out in front of me. Is it too much to ask that in addition to being in the turn lane, you also signal? Then I know you have made a conscious decision to turn, and have not ended up in that lane because you were not paying attention.

And don’t even get me started on those roundabouts springing up everywhere. I am no psychic, and have no idea if you plan an going straight, left, right, or making a U-turn.

So please, people, let’s use those simple to operate, standard, polite and safe wonders of technology called turn signals. I wasn’t aware their use was an option.

Sue McDaniel

Arlington