Do you use your indicators?

[Legend83]

Following on from this thread:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Do you use your indicators? Do you feel it is important?

I don't have any proof to back up my claim, but I can't imagine there are more accidents caused as a result of someone incorrectly using their indicators than there are accidents caused as a result of someong not using their indicators at all.

[tubbystu]

Where is the "I drive a BMW, what are these indicators you speak of" option ?

[5potTurbo]

If the turn/lane change doesn't affect any other roadusers for quite some distance, no. Otherwise, yes.
It's all about being aware of your surroundings. No point in indicating if there's no-one there to see it!

[The Nur]

There needs to be a "When it is necessary" option

[Laurel Green]

The Nur said:

There needs to be a "When it is necessary" option

[Baz Tench]

tubbystu said:

Where is the "I drive a BMW, what are these indicators you speak of" option ?

Outgunned by 4x4 softroader drivers, school-run Mums and Audi drivers these days I'm afraid. Especially on traffic islands.


Sorry and all that, but there is some truth in it.

[Matt UK]

The Nur said:

There needs to be a "When it is necessary" option

Agreed

[Baryonyx]

Yes, when necessary.

[julian64]

I have a theory about BMW drivers.

learner driver ---Always uses indicators, even if noone around.-- Drives punto

Young driver ---Mostly uses indicators because above recent. -- Drives golf

Old Driver ---Doesn't use indicators cos learnt not to --can affordBMW
Use them. Drives defensively

Trouble is, if I'm right the same should be directed at Jag drivers etc

Thinking about it though, Jaguar/Audi/BMW are less likely to indicate. Maybe its true?

[Mr Sparkle]

Does my brain in when people don't indicate at roundabouts.

[jsg612]

Poor indication is worse than no indication at all... Take for example people indicating to exit a roundabout too early than they intend.

[tenohfive]

Do not give a signal if one is not required. That's one rule I remember.

If there's someone to benefit from a signal, I give one. But I was taught not to rely on indicators alone, and I never take indicators as gospel especially when on roundabouts etc - too many idiots who forget they've turned them on, or just don't know how to use them properly. So it doesn't bother me massively when other people don't use them - I just have to read the road to establish where they're going i.e road positioning etc.

[Mike 820]

jsg612 said:

Poor indication is worse than no indication at all... Take for example people indicating to exit a roundabout too early than they intend.

But if someone is not indicating does that not make you approach them more cautiously?

If someone isnt indicating then no matter how sure I am that they are going to turn off the roundabout exit before mine I wont pull out.

[Asterix]

Always - maybe it is an Army thing but I'm a great believer of 'good drills'. I always indicate even in the middle of nowhere and there isn't another vehicle for miles around - same with the seatbelt.

[Carfiend]

I see lots of people at the side of the road using both of them at the same time. It is very impressive.

[y2blade]

Asterix said:

Always - maybe it is an Army thing but I'm a great believer of 'good drills'. I always indicate even in the middle of nowhere and there isn't another vehicle for miles around - same with the seatbelt.

same here

[markmullen]

Where it will benefit someone else (following, opposing or preceeding traffic, pedestrians etc) I do, otherwise no.

If you get used to working like this it makes you check more carefully rather than simply being a reflex.

[edo]

I use my indicators if there is (or a chance there is) anyone to benefit.

Sadly the great unwashed use them to denote that they have already started to do something.

[Cyder]

I do it automatically, so even in the middle of the night with no other lights visible I still indicate out of habit.

[markmullen]

doogz said:

Cyder said:

I do it automatically, so even in the middle of the night with no other lights visible I still indicate out of habit.

Someone will be along shortly to tell you you're wrong for doing that.

As I said earlier, if you make yourself only indicate when it will benefit someone it makes you think much more about your surroundings than it being purely a habit.