I use it literally everywhere out of habit, I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol

The only reason I won’t possibly use it is when I’m in a turn only lane at a red light and don’t want to listen to it for 3 minutes

Most people I find only use it 75% of the time at best.
I’m 2.5 years into driving and am curious if it’s just what semi-new drivers do or if I’m the odd one out.

  • CouncilOfFriends@slrpnk.net
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    15 hours ago

    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.

  • ApatheticCactus@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    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.

  • PieMePlenty@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    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.

  • SLVRDRGN@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    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.

  • tauren@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    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.

    • tyronenguyen@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Sometimes when I’m feeling adventurous, I will change lanes without using a turn signal (only when I am 99% sure there is no one around). For the other 99% of the time when I am feeling non adventurous, I will use my turn signals.

  • 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.

  • dream_weasel@sh.itjust.works
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    1 day ago

    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!

    • ikidd@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      If a BMW has a turn signal on, rest assured, it was purchased in that condition.

  • rumba@lemmy.zip
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    1 day ago

    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.

  • FlapJackFlapper@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    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.

    • EffortlessEffluvium@lemm.ee
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      1 day ago

      Ah, but do you follow the rules as well? Ride with traffic? Give hand signals for turns?

      Not picking on you, but as a truck driver, I see far too many people riding against traffic, all over the middle of the road, and generally creating their own demise.

      • FlapJackFlapper@lemm.ee
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        6 hours ago

        I do about 3k miles a year and safety is my top priority. I have (knock wood) never had a serious accident, but I’ve had a couple close calls (always from an inattentive driver). Every time I read about a road cycling injury, I shudder. The Gaudreau brothers incident was particularly harrowing.

        I have flashing lights on my bike, wear high vis, ride with traffic, and signal when turning. But the absolute best piece of bike safety gear imho (and one which I see fairly infrequently even though it’s cheap), is an eyeglass or helmet mounted rear-view mirror. I see handlebar mirrors sometimes and I’ve tried them myself but they aren’t nearly as good (they are useless when turning). The eyeglass mirror is a little distracting at first, but eventually you stop noticing it unless you want to, and it’s like having eyes in the back of your head.

  • selkiesidhe@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    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…

  • brax@sh.itjust.works
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    2 days ago

    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.

    • OrderedChaos@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      I just wish people would use it on roundabouts and not use it until after they pass anything that comes before their intended turn.

  • oppy1984@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

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