No Stupid Questions

specially when I don't see anyone, I don't want to keep sweeping my eyes through mirrors...

those that don't use blinkers at all do use mirrors, right? OH.

Only assholes don't use their blinkers. Anyone making fun of you for using yours is a selfish turd.

I felt dumb using it at a roundabout because nobody does there, then I looked it up and found it's something you're supposed to do. No harm in over communicating when you're in control of a few thousands pounds of metal.

Its the only way you can signal your intentions. Being predictable is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Combine these two and its a no brainer. Always use them.

Sure. It's better to develop this habit and use them automatically, without thinking. Sometimes there are no cars around, but pedestrians want to know your intentions too. And even if you don't see anyone, it doesn't mean there's nobody around.

I always do. Feels wrong not to. Just get in the habit of ALWAYS using them and it becomes a no-brainer. It's just a good habit to have.

It's always good to communicate on the road, the more information the better. I'm not sure why anyone would give you a hard time about this, unless they're insecure (about what, I couldn't analyze). Signals tell everyone around you what you're about to do. Keep up the good work.

use. your. blinkers.

Always. Driveway? Blinkers. Parking? Blinkers. On an empty road with no one in sight? Believe it or not, blinkers.

It's a muscle memory. When you get used to using them, you just do. If you have exceptions, you might forget it when it matters.

I drive a BMW

as a pedestrian i have to say that i never use my blinker.

joke aside, there's not much that aggravates me more than drivers not using their signals when they can turn either left or right, but cannot continue forward, like near the street i live in that i frequently have to cross. since they HAVE to turn, i have to wait for them to either remember that they have turn signals, or wait until they have enlightened me about their decision by making them a fact.

don't be an ass, use your turn signals to make your intentions known for the weaker parties on the road.

Yes. Don't listen to people who tell you not to.

The indicator is for communicating your intent to change the position (which lane you're in) or direction (turning in or out of a road, parking space, etc.) of your car.

The safest thing you can do as a driver is to be PREDICTABLE to other drivers. The indicator communicates necessary information for other drivers to predict your actions.

Not using one when changing the position or direction of your car is inconsiderate and dangerous to other road users. It is also illegal.

Use them. Please.

Yes and that's how it should be. It shouldn't even be conscious. I signal into and out of parking spaces, I signal every lane change, hell I signal for sharp corners sometimes.

It seems to me if you are choosing to signal or not, then the use of turn signals isn't that heavily ingrained. Before I turn the wheel I'm instinctively touching the signal lever.

Keep up the good work!

If you ever think you are useless, remember people are paid to install turn signals in new Lexuses

Yes, and I really wish cops would aggressive ticket every motherfucker who doesn't. ESPECIALLY the fucking morons who switch lanes without them, but when they're in the turning lane with literal no other option, THEN they fucking find their blinker.

Like hello fuckwit, I'm not a damn psychic, but thank you so fucking much for using that blinker in the least important place of everywhere your dumb ass drove.

There is 0 scenario where a blinker should be used that I won't use it, and fuck anybody who doesn't use theirs. If you can't handle the simple act of flicking a stick with your finger, you sure as fuck shouldn't be able to operate a land torpedo.

Use your blinker, return your cart to the corral, and mind your business

I'm sure I've missed it sometimes over the years, but if you make it a habit it's harder to forget or ignore

I never get bent about other people using them when they don't need to. It's real fucking old sitting at a busy light where I could have gone five times if someone would have had a moment to flick a switch.

It's actually easier to just use it every time. Deciding whether you need to is cognitive load that's better spent on other things.

I'm the road a lot as a cyclist. Like OP, I'd estimate that at least a quarter of vehicles rarely or never signal.

Always. Drive predictably it helps.

The people who made fun of you won't be laughing when they share 50% of the blame during the damage claim phase of an accident.

I use it all the time and I judge people who don't.

Yeah. Whoever made fun of you is an idiot.

All the time. To the point of if I don’t use it I really kinda have a “Shit, forgot my signal” moment.

That said I don’t get too bent out of shape about other people not signaling unless it’s these two situations: making a tight lane change, or with a speed differential where I’m overtaking. Basically just short of cutting me off. Signal and I can compensate. Cut over with no warning and fuck you. Second is braking before signaling a turn, say into a driveway or side street. IDK what the hell they teach in driver’s ed these days but we got drilled that you signal first and then brake because the signal is a warning to the driver behind you that you’re gonna slow for a turn and gives them time to prepare for what you’re gonna do. Be predictable. Seems like 3/4 time people just hit their brakes in the middle of the lane leaving you wondering wtf they’re doing or if they’re just an idiot.

I don't drive a BMW, so yes.

Other drivers cannot read minds, so use the blinker.

Its why it's there in the first place.

Only sickos don't use their blinkers

Of course I do. My goal while driving is to be predictable so I can minimize the chances of causing an accident.

Making funof someone for doing the responsible thing is childish and stupid.

As long as you are using them to indicate intent you are using them correctly. At worst you are being extra clear to drivers around you. If you don't use them though, at worst you are an unpredictable driver that might be involved in a crash.

Fuck the people that made fun of you.

P. S I use them any time I do something that isn't driving straight, i don't care if there are others around me, if it's a single lane, if it's obvious, etc. Every time I stray from a straight line I signal it.

Yes, even in clearly marked turn only lanes. I wish more people were ticketed for not using them.

Using it 75% of the time is harder than using it all the time, because it means you’re consciously thinking about it each time instead of doing it reflexively.

Yes, I use them even if there is nobody around as it’s good to keep the habit. I’ve noticed not many people use them in say a right only lane, but my logic is pedestrians might not know and so you should use it there too.

UK.

I remember a driving instructor asking me who I was indicating for when we were practising in a suburb. I couldn't see any other cars but figured that if one appeared they'd want to know my intentions and it would mean it was one less thing to think about.

I fired that instructor.

I use them 100% of the time. Which yes, includes my own driveway.

You should train yourself to use them automatically instead of a manual step. Like a reflex.

And if you're at a light and you plan to turn, you have that blinker going. Even if it's a long red light, even if you think no one is around.

I get really annoyed when people don't use them. My psychic powers are terrible and I like to not have people suddenly change lanes in front of me or cut me off on the road.

Blinkers are not just for special occasions or discos!

...how else would people around me know what direction I'm about to move 2+ tons of metal???

I can't stand how often I see people changing lanes or taking turns with ZERO blinker usage. Selfish short sighted fucks.

Indicators?

Yes, only pillocks don't use their indicators. They're an essential method of communication between vehicles and for pedestrians, and an essential safety feature.

I cannot stress this enough, people who don't use their indicators are massive twats and shouldn't be on the road.

They're a danger to themselves and everybody around them.

...i always use my signals to unambiguously communicate intent; the only time i've been embarrassed is after carrying that habit onto the track, but it's tough to break...

...my wife uses her signals to ask permission, which i feel can cause confusion, but she feels the same way about me...

It’s better to use your blinkers all the time than 90% of the time.

It's normal to use it pulling out of a driveway and in parking lots, don't worry about peer pressure and other people's bad habit

Yes. Because people are horrible drivers and I want them to know what I'm up to. At least one of us can be informed about the other...

The only time I don't is when there is no one behind me and I'm turning onto my home street. Or if I'm sitting in a turn only lane. If I'm in a turn only lane, then I'm turning so...