Do you drive a car? If you do, you may be aware of a new problem that is plaguing our streets. The problem seems to be getting worse as each day, week and month passes.
“What is it?” I hear you ask. Well, it seems to be some strange disease that is affecting car drivers here in the UK.
It seems to be some sort of memory loss or brain damage which stops them from using a really useful feature on their cars. A feature that is important – a feature that could save someones life – a feature they seem to have forgotten about.
I know they are aware the feature exists – after all, they wouldn’t have a driving licence if they had never used it. So whatever could it be?
I’ll give you a clue. Most modern cars built since the 1960′s have had them installed. They are something you should use every time you drive your car. They are effortless to use - literally just the flick of a switch:
Still don’t know what I mean? It is your car direction indicators!
I commute daily - and every day come across drivers with a complete disregard to other road users, be it other car drivers, pedestrians or cyclists. Drivers changing lanes or turning without warning or just stopping at the side of the road without indicating left. I’ve even witnessed the police not indicating. It is a rude and selfish act.
For those who choose not to use their indicators, please realise the four flashing lights at each corner of your car are not a parking permit to allow you to abandon your vehicle on double yellow lines whilst you go to the cash point – they are to tell other people which direction you are going in!
The UK highway code section 103 states:
warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians (see ‘Signals to other road users’), of your intended actions. You should always
- give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time
- use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off
- cancel them after use
You would not pass your driving test without using them – your car also would not pass an MOT test without them.
Car direction indicators are there for a purpose so next time you drive down the road, have a little courtesy for your fellow motorist and USE YOUR INDICATORS!
Does the lack of indicators get your goat too? Or maybe you are one of those drivers who feel you don’t need to let us know where you are heading? Leave your comments below.
