How can people not know their turn signal is on?

Question

In all the cars I have ever owned, the turn signal has made an annoying loud clicking noise that can be heard even over the radio. Are there any cars out there for which this is not the case? There was this SUV on the freeway this morning with their turn signal on for miles. It reminded me of all the times I have seen this. I hate these people, they are so dangerous, because the surrounding cars don't know what to do and get all confused. Just when you think the signal is on by mistake, they could jerk in front of you and cause an accident. But given that it was on for miles this time, I think it was a mistake. But how on earth is that possible? Are deaf people allowed to drive?

The reason I asked if deaf people are "allowed" to drive is because when I was first learning, I was taught that it's illegal to wear two headphones while driving because it impacts your hearing and makes you unsafe. So naturally, I assumed that it was illegal for deaf people to drive, since you can't even wear headphones. Also, all flamers will be blocked and ignored. Why waste two points flaming a legitimate question? Get off YA and go see a doctor.

Answer 1

As a matter of fact, yes, deaf people are allowed to drive. I know a few and they have never had accidents.

I think, however, some people just don't hear the signal. Maybe theirs isn't loud enough to get through to them if they are thinking of a million other things, have kids in the car, radio on, etc. It just might not register. My signals turn off as soon as I make the turn but once in awhile, for some reason, they do not and I have to turn it off. Maybe they just assume it's off. I agree with it being dangerous as you have no idea what they will be doing. Just like the ones that don't use their signals at all.

I got some lady mad at me once. I followed her a long way down the street. She was in and out without ever using her signals. She happened to be going into the same parking lot I was - again not using her signals. She had one of those SUV Cadillacs. I nicely told her that she had a beautiful car but she should have it looked at because her signals were not working. She glared at me. I just smiled and walked away.

I also shout out the window on occasion "nice signal".

Answer 2

Yes deaf people are allowed to drive. I had a deaf person in my driver's ed class (a long time ago). It's probably an older person who's hard of hearing. Sometimes if you don't make a very wide turn, or are just changing lanes, the signal won't go off on it's own. If someone's thinking about something else they might not realize it didn't go off. I hate having mine on like that so I'm careful with it, but my dad's done it before - he's hard of hearing. Just get over it and pass them if you hate it so much. Or try flicking your lights once, maybe it'll ge their attention.

Answer 3

Not all cars have "clickers" loud enough to be heard over the sound of the engine or traffic. Especially when the driver has the radio / CD / tape blaring to hear over the road noise, or a cell phone glued to their ear. I've decided that the younger the driver, the louder the volume of the distractions in the vehicle.

And not all drivers pay much attention to their dashboard indicators to notice the turn signal flasher blinking.

So the turn signals just keep blinking away ... accidents waiting to happen.

Answer 4

Well first of all not all turn signals are that loud in the older cars. Second, their radio could be so loud you can't hear it. The last part is that most senior citizens can not hear that good and refuse to get a hearing aid. I have been wearing a aid for over 40 years but most seniors it's a disgrace to wear one. I'm 63.

Answer 5

If someone is elderly, you can certainly understand that one. Being elderly or just being in a new situation could cause someone to concentrate so much on something else that they tone out the signal and forget about it. I can understand someone being so overwhelmed that they left their signal on until they didn't have to be hyper alert to their own survival on the road. I've done that, but only a few times. Or, if you are one of those really "important" people who need to take phone calls and send emails while you are driving, you might not realize the danger you could be putting everyone else on the road in.

You really have to assume that the everyone else on the road doesn't know how to drive.

Answer 6

Oh dear .... Karma being what it is you have now complained about this distracted driver who was probably multi tasking, kids in car radio playing etc etc etc. NOT saying it is not annoying but you have set yourself up taking the I never do that stance... so watch it you will cut someone off in a parking lot, run a red light, get caught speeding something. We none of us are perfect and anyone can make a big mistake at least the turn signal thing is visible and one can just give them space to make that wild turn when they get around to it. But some things are.... well you will know when you do it. It always happens when we are critical of others we make an even bigger dumber mistake. Good luck Karma Lady.

Answer 7

It's easy to get used to something you see every day, such as a turn signal.

And that clicking noise you call "loud" may not be loud to someone with impaired hearing (not necessarily deaf). Or the person may have the radio on, or may be using earphones, or may be doing something else that is distracting them (which also is wrong but could be the reason they have not noticed their turn signal).

And yes, deaf people are allowed to drive. It appears you believe you have no "weaknesses" and are quick to criticize others.

Have you ever "forgotten" to use your turn signals when you planned to turn? This is even worse than signaling when you aren't planning to turn. Have you ever "forgotten" to dim your lights at night? Shame on you. Not sure you should be allowed to drive anymore.

Yes, we all should drive better, but no one is perfect and no matter how much we try, we cannot fix all the world's problems. Sorry, Miss, get over it.

Answer 8

Actually, I had a 92 cavalier and the turn signal was really hard to hear even if the radio was off. And I assumed that lights on vehicles was to aid the deaf...

Answer 9

One, sometimes people just aren't paying attention and have other things on their minds. This is a scary thought in itself.

Second, some cars, if you have the radio loud you can't hear the clicking. Mine is noticeable when the radio is low, but when I have it blaring I can't hear it at all. Although I tend to check that it goes off after I make a turn.

Answer 10

people are human beings and WILL commit mistakes- even costly ones. There are different categories of people who will NOT realize that their turn signal is on.
1) Elderly - They forget easily and can contribute to major accidents.
2) Youngsters- They have a cd or a radio playing so loud that they dont realize their signal is on.
3) Insane drivers- They do it on purpose (Idiots!!!)
4) Jerks- They know that the signal is on because it is broken, yet they will not fix it for sometime.
5) Forgetful- Age is no bar for these people.

The lesson you learn from this: "Dont lose your cool, over a fool".
You should thank these people for teaching you to practice patience.