Recently the Vice Chancellor of the Exchequer and I were discussing possible topics for a meeting. I mentioned that I recently noticed a pickup truck using his directional signals when turning and how unusual it was to see that. We had an abbreviated discussion about it (see Season One Bonus Tracks episode), then decided it may deserve a Blog post. So here goes.
Despite being retired and therefore no longer commuting a couple of hours to work each day, I’m still on the road frequently enough to notice things. One of those things is the number of drivers who don’t use their turn signals. But beyond that, I noticed that more than any other vehicles, pickup truck drivers seem to be the worst offenders.
Which got me wondering if there is some unwritten rule that is explained with the purchase of a pickup truck, that turn signals are only on the steering column because it’s the law, and that they must never be used. Perhaps a first offender was admonished at a truck rally with a “What the hell is wrong with you using a turn signal when you pulled in? Are you trying to ruin it for the rest of us?” Okay, I’m only half-joking, but it sure seems like those could be real possibilities.
Or there’s another. Could it be that there is a conscious decision-making process that goes through the driver’s mind NOT to use the signal? “I know where I’m going. To hell with everyone else on the road. It’s all about me.” I choose not to believe that, but it sometimes seems to be the best reason.
In reality, I’ll have to admit that the most logical reason may be the simplest. It may just boil down to laziness and inconsideration. And those traits aren’t limited to pickup truck drivers. I mean it couldn’t be ignorance, at least in the literal sense of the word. Most everyone on the road has taken driver training. Or at the very least had to study the book to get their license. And turn signals have been mandated on vehicles since 1967, so it’s not as if it’s some newfangled invention to get used to. It’s right there on the steering column, just a few inches away from your hand. And oh yeah, in nearly every jurisdiction, it’s also the law to use them.
Yes, I know I should get over it and move on with my life. And notwithstanding this blog entry, for the most part I have.
But in addition to driving my main vehicle, I’m also a motorcycle rider. And that’s enough of an adventure just watching for idiots who simply pull into a street in front of me because “I didn’t see him. He came out of nowhere!” At least with a signal flashing I get some sort of a warning of what they might do, and I can prepare for it accordingly.
So please. Just use your signal. It’s really not going to take much effort, and we’ll all appreciate it. And if you decide to tell me all your reasons for not using them, I’ll give you my reply now. You’re wrong.
I’ll save the idiots cruising through stop signs for a separate post. Or maybe we’ll actually discuss that in a meeting.
