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.

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.

Yeah. Whoever made fun of you is an idiot.

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

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.

Other drivers cannot read minds, so use the blinker.

Its why it's there in the first place.

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.

...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.

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

Turn signals are not optional.

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.

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

Always. Drive predictably it helps.

Got my licence a bit over 2 years ago. I ALWAYS use the blinkers. You never know when there's some other participant in traffic that you don't notice for which the information of what I'm about to do is important.

It annoys me to no end that a lot of drivers here won't signal for lane changes or turn offs.

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!

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.

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 use my blinker even when turning into my own driveway and the reason is simple:

The signal isn't for me. It's for others to know my intentions.

One major thing that makes driving with others safer is predictability and your blinkers can help with that.

I don't drive a BMW, so yes.

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 don't drive a BMW, so yes.

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

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.

Even when I’m a pedestrian I fucking hate anyone who doesn’t use a turn signal. Usually I’ll yield to cars because they’re faster, and as an impatient person myself I wonder who’d want to wait six years for someone to walk across whatever but I can’t do that when the idiots don’t use their turn signal.

I don't drive a BMW, so yes, I do use my blinker.

I’ve only been driving for 33 years, but I try to signal every turn.

Because the signals are for those situations where you don’t see something you should have AND those situations where someone else didn’t see something they should have.

Takes a flick of the pinky to do something that could save you thousands of dollars and wasted time, or even save someone’s life. So why not do it?

Only sickos don't use their blinkers

Yes, I use it. Over a million miles and nearly 40 years driving.

Fuck the haters, use that thing.

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.

Yes. You're supposed to use it anytime you're about to turn or change lanes, including if you're sitting in a turn lane at a red light or backing out of a drive way or parking spot.

Not doing so makes you a road hazard.

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre. This is the way.

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

What kind of person shits on another for using a turn signal? My guess is it is someone who forgets to use it frequently.

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.

Yup. All the time. There's a road I drive several times a week that turns left. No intersection, it just makes a 90deg turn. I use it there out of habbit.

Yes. I always use them. I hate when people don't. Oh, so you needed to come over? I would have slowed down if you told me. What are you slowing down for? Move- Oh. You're turning. Wish I would have known that. Dang, I need to pull out and make this turn. Let me wait until that car passes... Oh, they're turning.

It's such a small thing that makes driving safer for you and the people around you.

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. You're moving heavy objects with meat in them very fast. You should always clearly indicate your intentions.

Yeah; because I don't want someone to end up hitting me if I turn unexpectedly. I want them to expect it. I mean, I don't wanna be hit either way but you know what I mean.

I use mine so often that sometimes I accidentally turn them on in sharp curves.

Always use the blinker. Remember it's not a request, it's a warning. The only time you might not is if you have to make a sudden emergency swerve and don't have time and need both hands on the wheel. In this case, survival should be immediately followed by an apology wave.

When changing lanes in fast traffic, using the blinker will usually cause the car next to you to speed up. This is a feature, not a bug, as it opens a space behind them into which you can stick the nose of your car, ahead of the guy following them.

Adding in: if you routinely drive with your lights on, you will find that little extra visibility makes people slightly less likely to cut you off or more likely to let you in. Sometimes they don't mean to be assholes, they're just distracted, and being more visible helps. If you consider that "dingdingding" a reminder to lock it, it will turn off the lights and be safe.

I get mad at myself if I don't turn it on early enough. As I. If I go to change lanes and it only flashes once it really isn't enough notice for other drivers so I usually bitch at myself.

I may be the only person you meet who road rages against himself.

Always always signal your intention. I heard a woman complaining that her new car had lane control, which forced her to indicate when changing lanes. "It's so annoying, I mean it's obvious I'm overtaking, I don't need to indicate!"

Also, as a frequent pedestrian I appreciate when drivers and cyclists indicate and judge heavily when they don't. So frustrating to be waiting to cross the road and someone turns without indicating.

I've never understood how a simple hand motion can be beyond anyone's skillset. It's just part of driving.

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.

Yes, of course.

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.

I use it to pull into my driveway because it's immediately after a sharp blind turn and I'd rather not get shoved into my own mailbox.

I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol

I believe the socially acceptable retort is "if you don't like my driving, you can get the hell out of the car. If you're staying, you can shut up"

Until humans invent mind reading and we can all do it easily without a moment's hesitation, I will be using my turning indicator. Only idiots make fun of signalling.

So grateful to everyone in the comments who use them. Thank you all! Where i live most don't use them. I don't get why; aren't these people annoyed when others don't use the blinker?

I use it 100% of the time when the rules of traffic prompts me to use it.

Within a small single-lane housing area: I blink.

When exiting my driveway and the road reaches a dead end 100 meters in the one direction, so it should be very obvious which way I'll go: I blink.

The roundabout in town which is so tiny that it looks more like an intersection, and when heading straight through it: I blink.

It's so much better to have a habit of blinking and making unambiguous signals than to forget it. It helps with the flow of traffic and probably lets everyone get where they need to go quicker.

If you habitually use it on simple or clear turns or empty roads you will habitually use it when there are people around. That's a good habit to have.

Lights on always and signal whenever you're deviating from your current lane.

I drive a BMW

Just use it all the time including turn only lanes. Deal with the clicking, it’s fine.

I use it even in my drive way. Good habbit is a good practice that makes operating any system easier and honestly just more fun. I know cars get a bad rap these days but it's an amazing technology that's fun to be a part of.

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!

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.

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

There are specific directives for Audi, BMW and Mercedes which void their warranties should you ever even think such scandalous thoughts as using the indicators individually; not using them to say that you know you're parking in a stupid place, angle across a pavement but you're only buying some chocolate from that corner shop.

My car has lane detection such that my steering is 'corrected' if I don't use an indicator. It gets confused on country roads and often tries to steer into the hedge or ditch. Fucking thing. It can't be turned off long term, but only ever time one turns on the ignition.

Over 15 years driving, here. I use blinkers all the time. I feel weird if I change lanes without a blinker, even if I know for an absolute fact there's no one around me... Or even any that can see me. And I mean, I'll even use it when I do a little road rage for people camping in the passing lane and I pass them on the wrong side, cutting a little close when returning. That being said, a driveway is something I'd make a joke about among friends. It wouldn't make me judge you as a driver. I'd use the rest of your driving as my judgment material.

My 2 cents on a topic you didn't ask for: Do not hold down the passing lane. It makes me a little irrational, but only with a totally clear line of sight. There's plenty of dumber morons that suck at it, so camping sprinkles a little chaos into the hierarchy of the lanes. It does not matter how your speed compares to the limit.

I don't use turn signals when driving around a roundabout unless I'm exiting because I'm not psychotic.

But seriously, they are for signifying intent, not blinking idly, and they should be used plenty.

I put a turn signal on when I back into my underground parking spot when I'm literally the only person down there. Force of habit that I'm totally cool with.

First thing: the blinkers are for your own safety, but they're also for other people's safety and to help improve the flow of traffic (for example, if somebody waiting at a T-junction to go into your lane sees in a timely fashion that you're going to exit at the junction, they'll know earlier they can come in rather than have to wait to see what you actually do and this kind of thing times many such situations adds up to better traffic flow).

Second thing: it's a lot easier and cognitively simpler to just do it without thinking rather than considering the situation to see if you should do it or not and a good mental trigger point to train that as an instinctive movement is "if I'm going to turn out of my lane, I'll turn the blinker on for the side I'm turning to" - so, turning of the road -> blinker on that side; changing lane -> blinker on the side I'm moving to; going to stop and park on a side of the road -> blinker on that side.

Personally I just use the blinkers for all such situations and don't even have to think about it, and as for the first point I made, that just informs how early I do it (I've trained myself to do it quite a bit before I turn in order to help with traffic flow). This does mean that at times I'll use the blinkers when there is nobody else around to actually use that information, simply because I'm not actually thinking about "should I do it or should I not?" I'm just unthinkingly executing a trained impulse. Never had any problems with excessive wear and tear of blinker lights and since I don't need to think about the "should I turn the blinker" decision I can focus on more important things, so as I see it, even at the cost of at times using the blinkers when there is nobody to see it so there is really no point, I'm still better of having trained myself to do it like this.

That said blinker usage amongst drivers massively depends on the country and the general driving culture there. For example were I come from, Portugal, most people only use the blinkers in situations were they stand to gain from it themselves (for example when exiting a road to the left, crossing a lane, were others might give you way, out of good manners if they know your intentions), then of the rest most will use it for the safety of other cars but almost none will do it for the safety of pedestrians, whilst in The Netherlands (were I picked up my current habits on this) they're generally pretty thorough on using blinkers in all situations they should quite independently of seeing or not people who might use that information (possibly because of all the bicycles around, as they're often hard to spot using the mirrors when in certain positions relative to a car which are exactly the positions were knowing that the car wants to turn is important for the safety of the cyclist)

Been driving for a few decades at this point. I use my turn signals for nearly all turns, and any moving merges. The more information I can give to other drivers, the more likely they are to act rationally.. which decreases the chances of miscommunications and accidents.

I don't always signal while in a turn only lane, as being in that lane should already denote my intentions, and while merging into heavy (stopped, bumper to bumper) traffic..

I ride a bicycle. I always signal by hand. It pisses me off when cars don't see me and dont signal. Almost been hit that way.

Let people know when your massive death machine is going to be changing direction.

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.

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.

There are only 4 ways to communicate in a car what your intentions are to other drivers. Left blinker, right blinker, brake lights, and the finger. 5 if you count flashing brights but I'm convinced most people think it's just a fuck you for having headlights that are too bright, which might be the case, but I'm usually telling you there a pig ahead.

I use it everywhere because it signals intent. You never know when someone might pull up fast or walk into your blind spot. This is the only indicator they have that you're about to pull into traffic, or change lanes.

Only when I remember to fill up on my blinker fluid.

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 thousand pounds of metal.

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 always use it because then I'll never forget to use it.

Yes even in parking lots and driveways, except sometimes when I'm pulling into a double turn lane and I don't want people to think I'm changing lanes

I don't drive anymore because I live someplace with transit and sidewalks, but when I drove I always signalled turns. Low effort, high safety.

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

Hey, it's your life. If you want to use your blinker so that it is easier to get an opening, and so people are more likely to avoid hitting you, well, that's your choice.

Also, the results in here will be survivor biased. The people in wrecks because they didn't use their blinker are too busy dealing with insurance and repair times and rental cars to be on Lemmy. They are also busy having to remind people that they are the most important person on the road.

Only if I don't run out of blinker fluid.

Usually I use them, but not if I'm the only car on the road, and not in my city's roundabouts.

The roundabouts are abnormally small, so using a blinker to exit is confusing for everyone because I'd be signalling to turn for the exit I need, but the roundabout is so small that the wrong cars will think I'm exiting before them and pull out in front of me. When really, I'd be signalling for the exit immediately after them while trying to provide time for that exit's car to see my intentions.

Also people in this city don't understand roundabouts. I see people enter the wrong way semi-regularly, stop in the middle of the roundabout to let people in, use a left blinker to enter a roundabout that only goes around to the left, and treat every empty roundabout as a 4-way stop. Its pretty frustrating sometimes.

Sorry, we were talking about blinkers and, in some roundabout way, I got off topic lol

Basically everywhere. Not always when pulling in my driveway if no one else is around, but I’ve certainly seen driveways where you might even use it pulling out. I don’t use it pulling out of my driveway. It’s rare that I not use it otherwise, though. Very occasionally I’ll think I’ve put it on but discover while turning that I didn’t have it on. Might be my ADHD causing that.

Where I'm going is none of your business.

In all seriousness I'm pretty sure I always do. Even when no one is around. Just good habits.

My old house was one of a row of housing with assigned parking spaces in front, perpendicular to the road. Like in front of a store.

I was going to turn into my parking space. This behemoth of a truck was in front of me, going slow as molasses. I mean like 2 miles an hour. I could have stopped my car and walked home faster, but I was in the middle of the road.

The truck in front of me veered left, towards the parking spots on the opposite side of the road. I said "fucking FINALLY" and darted past them on the right.

Turns out they had finally found the spot they were looking for and had just swung wide to turn into the spot. On the right, not the left. They turned straight into me as I tried to drive past.

Ever since then I make sure to use my blinker even if I'm just turning into my driveway.

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

In my area, most drivers don't start the turn signal until they've reached the intersection or have already started the turn. Infuriates me to no end. This is also true for left turns at red lights; they don't activate their turn signals until they stop, sometimes not even until the green light, so you have no chance to change lanes before they block you.

I’m not perfect, but my signals pretty religiously… and I’ve been driving for almost 30 years.

I’ll ride with my dad sometimes though… and in his old age he won’t always use his turn signals. Never has, actually. I always get onto him, and he gives me this shit-eating grin and says “it’s on a need-to-know basis.”

"Every important sideways manoeuvre" is what I learned from my driving instructor. I sometimes even feel a bit bad when I forget to use my indicator.

Can I make a small complaint here that the 3 blinks your car does is way too short to start and finish most actions?

Didn’t say anyone mention insurance. If you’re in an accident, and they didn’t indicate when manoeuvring, they’re at fault. Unintentionally tested this out. The opposite is also true, if you indicate, and someone runs into you, likelihood is they will be found at fault.

Oh I’m very happy to also use it in a turn only lane at a red light for 3 minutes

I've been made fun of, signaling while offroading.

No, I ran out of blinker fluid and the price is too high from the tariffs now.

Would you use your blinker in a car? Would you wink at your lover, from afar? Would you twerk and dimple, or is that too far? I don't know how to rhyme this anymore, ABLAR.

Confession: I use indicator lights so much that I sometimes use them in very tight turns

Either you use it or you dont. It is good to use it though, make it a good habit. Plus, I want to announce to those around me especially when I am backing up into a garage: I am here, do not stand in my way. If you dont use it, obviously you can cause accidents.

That being said, there is a 3rd group who I absolutely fucking despised:

Those who use it just to show the cops or whoever the fuck around that "look, I use blinkers"

When changing lane or enter a turn, uually this type of driver will go Click-Turn-Click. No head movements whatsoever. Also turning the signal off immediately like the sound of it can cause them brain cancer or something.

Anyone use when backing out of the driveway or parking spot?

Turn signals are cool. But let's ignore the fact I live in a very rural area and there is often no one within miles of me when driving. In that case, who am I going to signal to? That suicidal deer in the ditch? That's the last SOB I want to have any clue about where I'm going. But anywhere I meet or see traffic I do use them. And definitely the once a month trip I make to a real town.

I do not, as a rule, place any great amount of faith in turn signals. And that paranoia has saved me more than once. Far too often I have seen a driver with a turn signal blinking merrily blow past me either straight ahead or turn in the opposite direction. Had I believed those signals, I would have been tee-boned.

The only thing I believe in is the direction your steer tires are turned. Turns out your vehicle will go in the direction they are pointing. Any of you new drivers, this is an excellent safe driving tip. Pay attention to the steer tires. Those tires will tell you the truth about the real intentions of another driver.

In any case always remember-- it's just as easy to be dead being dead right as it is being dead wrong. Be safe out there........

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.

I live in Atlanta so no. If I turn my blinker on that means they need to block me so I just shoehorn my way into every turn and lane change.

I would rather overuse it than under use it. Funnily enough I do use mine in turn only lanes too, it’s just background noise to me at this point, but I never used it while pulling out of a low traffic suburban/rural house.

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...

Let them make fun. People who don't use theirs are the reason why the system is failing.

no because i am an uncouth so and so

100%

It's just good practice. If you don't make it a habit you will forget.

Audi drivers huh? For most they’re non-optional when about to manoeuvre, except in the turn-only lane situation you mentioned where you don’t need it (it’d actually potentially signal a lane change).

If I'm in a traffic area or pulling into a traffic area, always. I indicate out of my driveway because I'm going on to a road and there's 2 directions I could go.

my car weighs like 1.6t and people need to know where it's heading.

I have never used it backing up. That's just weird and confusing.

Obsessively. I've been driving German autos since college, including BMW's and most BMW owners are jerks. The only exception is when I hung out with the local BMW club one summer. They drive crazy fast, but are some of the most courteous drivers on the road.

I do, but I am slightly discouraged from doing so by the drivers in my area. People are always so terrified of not being the first waiting at the next red light, they see a turn signal as a warning to 'speed up and go past this car before they can get ahead of you.'

I always signal in roads but rarely in parking lots or driveways unless I'm trying to let others know I'm waiting for a parking spot.

Yes, i don't even think about it anymore, i just throw my hand on the stick as i turn the steering wheel, even for simple adjustments when i park. It's not as mutch ahead of time at it should be, but still better than most of my country tha might as well not have that stick.

If it makes a difference to someone, yes. Otherwise I don't bother.

You don't need to sit at a light with the blinker going. I just put it on before the light turns green, or right before I start moving.

Pulling out of the driveway does sound pretty excessive to me.

If you turn on the right turn signal but you’re going in reverse is it pointed in the direction the ass of your car is going, or the direction you’re going to be facing? There’s no non confusing way to use them in reverse, and your reverse lights are enough of a sign that you’re probably gonna get in the way.

Area dependent. Blinkers get in the way if you live somewhere like India or San Antonio