Right Turning At Traffic Lights?

Question

Why do drivers who want to turn right at traffics lights only put their indicators on when the lights turn to green?

You pull up behind them and then nothing until the lights go to green and then they creep forward slowly and put their indicator on, why?

aaaaaaaaargh!!!

Answer 1

The rule I use is:
When approaching the lights, I signal.
One stopped, I apply the handbrake, but keep the signals on, and my foot on the brake pedal to keep the brake lights lit, until there is a car stopped behind me.

Once the car behind me has stopped, they know that I am stopped, and where I am going, so I cancel the signal and take my foot off the brake, so they don't have my lights in their face (It's an offence in the UK to use lights in a way which may dazzle or annoy others - e.g sitting at traffic lights blinding the driver behind with your brake lights). However, if I'm first in the queue I'll keep the signals on to inform oncoming traffic and pedestrians of my intentions.

Once the traffic lights turn green I turn the signals on again, as I may now need to inform others of my intentions.

Anyone who doesn't signal at all should be forced to drive straight ahead.

Of course, if there's a right-turn only lane, then once you are in that lane it should be obvious to all other road users that you are going to turn right, and you can cancel the signals.

Answer 2

Why do you worry about it? What possible difference does it make to you? Are you going to let it define the rest of your day when another driver that you don't even know and most likely will never see again does something you don't like? Have you ever made a mistake while driving, either on purpose or by accident? Cut someone off? Forgot to signal? Rolled into a crosswalk instead of stopping before it? Exceeded the posted speed limit? Ran an orange traffic light that you swore was green? I know you have. Now stop whining and get a life.

Answer 3

Yes, if you had only known you could have gone into the other straight on lane. In some situations, say roundabouts, I can understand it, because it doesn't matter and there is no point in wearing your indicator out if you are a long way back from the roundabout in a queue.

The answer must be that they are either, grossly inconsiderate or not very intelligent.

Answer 4

Drivers in America or in their own little world. Either on the phone, listening to bad music, or daydreaming about when they become rich and famous. Finally they get to the point where inattention to whats going on becomes the standard. Usually about 55.

Answer 5

maybe they are confused and are not sure if they can turn right on red, and they don't want to look stupid by sitting there with their turn signals on when they could be turning on the red light. so at the last moment, as if it was spontaneous, they will put on their signals and turn right like they just remembered where they were going.

Answer 6

I feel your pain. they are to many distractions as we drive and some people are just lazy. Note you can only turn right at a red light if there is no sign prohibiting to do so.

Answer 7

you get in the correct lane and they wont be a pain lol

some drivers are terrible though... next time it winds you up.. count to five and smile... you will be less stressed on the road...

Answer 8

those are the losers who don't turn right on red even though its okay to do it

Answer 9

probalby because their on their cell phones what not and not paying attention or to lazy

Answer 10

You know it happens, so why are you surprised?
Deal with it!
There's always plenty more where they came from.