Always use your indicators!

I even do it when I turn into my drive and we live in a cul de sac 😂

Nandalot

When I used to drive, I always indicated but I remember clearly being told by the driving instructor when I was indicating with clear road and no pedestrians that I shouldn’t bother. I agree, always indicating is a good habit. (Incidentally, stopped using said instructor after that but mainly because he kept putting his hand on my knee. DH then taught me and I passed my test.)

Your instructor was right. I took an advanced driving course where they actually told us that most of the times we indicate are not necessary. This is largely because a lot of people use the indicator as a "get out of the way, I'm making this manoeuvre regardless" when really they should be waiting

I thought the law was changing and now we have to always indicate even if we think there is no-one near. My instructor always asked me "Can you see round corners?"

I too always indicate. It’s routine. I can remember, when learning to drive, the ‘ mirror, signal, manoeuvre ‘ mantra. Now, I can’t believe how many drivers don’t, and, even when some do, it’s as they’re actually turning - too late! They don’t seem to realise the importance of signalling their intentions. I don’t get this reluctance.

The motorist that annoys me is the one that may indicate and expects to move out (or in) almost at the same time eg on a slip road joining carriageway having to get in front even though no traffic at the back or overtaking and jutting in in front. Absolutely no patience.

About two months ago I had three near misses in one week with drivers not indicating that they were turning. I think it must have been national kill a granny week that week.

Always indicate whether there is anyone there to see it or not.

Today I was driving past a stationary car and a child in the back seat opened their door to get out - I missed it by an inch! Gulp!

It's those that indicate after they have turned that annoy me "I have turned left". Too late mate!

Drivers who use indicators as an optional extra really irritate me, particularly at any kind of roundabout. Just give me a clue! I was very aware when visiting Canada that if you were walking on a pavement and stopped for any reason, the cars on the road immediately also stopped to allow you to cross with no crossing in sight. Goodness knows how they cope if they visit the UK. On the other hand, in large French towns they seem to ignore the lights at panda crossings which appeared to be acceptable.

A fair percentage of drivers seem to consider that indicators are just like Xmas fairy lights: to be used just once a year.

I have often commented that new cars seem not to be fitted with indicators or lights, at least in the areas I drive! I followed a car recently who, despite the number of times it was necessary, didn't use the indicators at all. It is also obvious many don't have working lights when it gets quite dark or during heavy rain. Maybe these items come as extras in today's cars!

M0nica

A friend said to me when I first learnt to drive' Always indicate, even when there is no one to see them. If you always indicate, you will never not indicate whan you should have'

I have always done as she said.

Exactly what my driving instructor (an ex-police driver) told me many years ago. It just becomes second nature.

A forum recently asked for practical ideas to make the world a better place.
My favourite was that car steering wheels would not turn (obviously enough to turn a corner) unless the indicators had been activated. Genius.

So agree.
Was waiting to cross the road the other day and an elderly driver turned right, no signal ,in front of me then stopped right in the middle of the junction to let me cross.
I frantically waved her on as she was in such a dangerous position!

We’ve just returned from Krakow, wow what a difference being a pedestrian there. Stand on the edge of a pavement and cars automatically stop. Approach a crossing, cars stop. No hooting, no screeching of tyres, just a pleasant experience. Can’t imagine that happening in London.

Aside from my blood boiling when other motorists fail to indicate is my despair at the amount of drivers here in the UK who do not know, or care, how to approach and correctly enter and exit a roundabout. Whilst of course, indicating their intentions.
Madness.

Our car has some sort of lane control and if you go over a white line and not indicating it sort of twitches the steering wheel and beeps at you!

Unfortunately, the point here is not what we all were taught, but how to get it into the heads of those who have forgotten to use indicators when driving a car, and hand-signals when riding a bike that for their own and others' safety they must indicate before changing direction.

Oh, and let's add bicycle ligths to the list! The number of bikes being ridden at night or in the early morning with no bike lamps, and the cyclist never having heard of day-glo vests either, is quite unbelievable.

We need a massive poster campaign reminding people of basic road safety, both for car drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

I followed an Audi one day for some distance and not one indication. We both ended up in the same car park and I couldn’t resist saying “you would think on a car that expensive the indicators would work”. He just glared at me and walked away.

Agree with M0nica and others, I ALWAYS indicate, whether or not anyone else is there or appears to be there whether a pedestrian, cyclist, scooter or car driver. This way it’s ingrained in my mind and muscle memory.

Whereas my husband only indicates if he can see another car or a pedestrian, and I think that this is a mistaken attitude.

Many people in our small town don’t seem to know what their indicators are for !!! I am a driver myself and I am astounded by the moves that some make without any sort of indication.

Astitchintime

"The 2022 Highway Code says that if pedestrians have started crossing the road and drivers want to turn into the road, pedestrians crossing have priority, and the traffic should give way to them."
There you go....just Googled it

which is great....unless the driver doesn't know this ( yes I know they should) or doesn't apply the rule and runs you over......after they have not indicated

I'm another who indicates when nobody around.
A friend went on a driving refresher course recently and was told never to indcate when moving out to go around cyclists but she couldn't remember why, has anyone else heard of this?

I had it drilled into me even when you think there is no one there to indicate to.
At night it can be seen if you're waiting to say turn right but you are waiting to make sure nothing is coming towards you, a particular dangerous junction in mind here, not a v wide road but traffic comes quickly, many accidents there sadly. I want any possible drivers coming up behind to know I'm waiting to turn right

Mrd was trained response driver and had it drilled out of him when unnecessary. Have to say it irritates me as a pedestrian too.