Please settle this dispute, do you always use your turn signals, even when no one is behind you?

Question

Isn't it basically the law? Specifically in NC or I guess any other state as well?

Answer 1

So what's the dispute?

Yes it is the law... probably one of the most ignored traffic laws, right up there with coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, but the law nontheless.

Do I always signal? Well, "ALWAYS" is a powerful word. I TRY to always signal. It's mostly habit for me. Even when there is no around. Plus, you never know about a vehicle or pedestrian you didn't see! Try to get into habit of signaling. There's too many that don't even do it on a crowded expressway!

Answer 2

There are two good reasons for using your signals all of the time.

First, there may be someone there that you don't see. In many cases, drivers are complacent (or lazy), and when that occurs, it is very easy to miss someone, especially motorcycles. I am constantly amazed by the way many people simply give the rearview a cursory glance when changing lanes. No check of the sideview mirrors, no turn of the head.

Second, if you use your turn signal every time without exception, it will become habit and you will do it automatically after a while.

A quick check of the laws in my state reveals that the Colorado wants you to use signals ANY time you are executing a turn or lane change, with no mention watsoever of it being optional if 'no one is around'.

Answer 3

* . Always use your turn signals, whether you see other traffic around or not.
* Always obey the traffic lights, and stop signs, whether there's any other traffic or pedestrians, there or not
* Always drive safely, whether there's other traffic or pedestrians around or not ... it is a good habit to get into
* Always obey the speed limits, whether you see a police car around or not
* Always try not to be the odd man out when other traffic is flowing along at something other than the speed limit

Sometimes we get in a conflict between the above "always" ... suppose the rest of the traffic is flowing at a velocity that we consider to be unsafe ... well we have just found ourselves on a highway that perhaps we should not be on ... those people may be headed for a crash ... you need to get onto a secondary highway.

Answer 4

I do. It's the law here in NY too. If there is a cop on the side of the road they could give you a ticket for an "unsafe lane change" which I also believe will be points on your license which will in turn up your insurance costs.

Besides, unless your driving late at night or in the suburbs it's kinda hard not to have someone driving behind you.

Answer 5

In Calif, I believe the law is that you must use signals if your action (changing lanes or turning) could affect another driver.

So if it's midnight and there are no cars around you for a long ways, then it's not necessary. Unless there is a cop hiding behind a tree.

Answer 6

Yes, Absolutely.
If you were properly taught how to drive, it should be instinctive.
You should not have to think about it.
It's not just to inform the driver behind you.
It is to warn oncoming drivers, pedestrians, and the vehicles on the cross streets of your intentions.
The law does NOT say you must signal only when there are other vehicles behind you.
That would be like saying "You only have to obey the law when there are police around"
ALWAYS USE YOUR TURN SIGNALS

Answer 7

It's the law in Ohio. But my wife makes fun of me when I turn my signal on to turn into our driveway. We live in a somewhat remote area, and very seldom is a car near by. But to be honest I'm sure I haven't always used my signals.

Answer 8

YES! to avoid getting rear-ended. Using my turn signals is a habit and no matter if a car is present or not it will be a good idea to use them to avoid getting a ticket by a cop hiding in an area where you can't see them but they can see you not using your turn signals for safety.

Answer 9

I don't believe in the state where I live that it's the law, but it's just a very good safety precaution to use your turn signals EVERY time, no matter if someone is behind you or not.

Answer 10

I believe it is the law everywhere, and yes I do. I cant believe that people have become so lazy that they cant flick their finger to turn on a signal. You dont even have to turn the darn thing off, it manages that on its own. You must burn about a tenth of a calorie turning on your signal, that must be really taxing to the obese in body and weak in mind amongst us.