Turn Signals ARE the Law in NC

[Dregg]

Originally Posted by arbyunc

So given that your left foot is not on the brake, wouldn't it be about the same distance (or more) from the brake as your right foot? If so, then it seems there's no real advantage, as in either case you still have to move your foot to the brake. In fact, I think I could brake faster with my right foot...all I have to do is pivot on my heel (i.e., my right heel stays in the same place--I merely move my toe from the accelerator to the brake). To use my left foot on the brake, I'd have to lift it off the floorboard and move my entire foot. I'm quite sure, for me anyway, I'm faster to the brake with my right foot.

It's the same actually. My right foot handles the accelerator. The left foot (on a 2 pedal system) handles the brake but is at rest on the "dead pedal". It's only a heel pivot to the brake pedal. When I spy trouble, the left foot raises and is on top of the brake pedal but never touches it. If the "threat" goes away, the left foot goes to the rest position. If the threat is real, the left foot goes into action and depresses the brake pedal as the right foot comes off the accelerator.
While you may not understand, this system saves time. I can do this in a "timely fashion".
It's been proven that your right foot alone cannot respond faster than both of your feet. It's the same as running. I one legged guy will react slower than a two legged guy.

[arbyunc]

^ I understand just fine. I just don't agree. In your system you have to keep your left foot in the same spot all the time, so it would definitely be more uncomfortable (for me anyway), especially on long trips. And using one's right foot gives the additional advantage of decelerating, as you have to take your foot off the gas to brake when a threat is perceived. And I don't know about this "proof" you mention since you didn't give a link, but for me I can assure you my right foot can get to the brake just as quickly as my left, unless I keep my left foot touching the brake at all times.

No big deal--you certainly have the right to drive with both feet if you want. I just think your claims of "faster braking" don't hold up.

[steve54]

Originally Posted by Dregg

I admire you for trying the 2 foot method. You're right, it's hard to break an old habit.
You say you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission? May I ask...what foot (left or right) do you use to brake with ? Do you ever use the "Heel/toe" down shift method?

If you don't know what it is, "google" it.....it's pretty cool. You simply "rev" the engine to match the RPM's the transmission is turning to what the engine is for a smooth down shift thus not throwing the vehicle weight off during a slowdown/downshift.

Heel toeing is pretty redundant with modern transmissions and non-performance driving. Sure if you were about to go into a bend at max speed and wanted to downshift you would consider it but for everyday driving its totally unnecessary

[Dregg]

Originally Posted by steve54

Heel toeing is pretty redundant with modern transmissions and non-performance driving. Sure if you were about to go into a bend at max speed and wanted to downshift you would consider it but for everyday driving its totally unnecessary

Guess old habits are hard to break for both ways of driving.
Heel/toe downshifting for everyday driving is essential (to me anyway). Much less wear and tear on the brakes and clutch on one of my cars with a manual transmission.

Anyway, sorry for the derail........topic was about signalling.

[Quert]

I remember a month ago when I was in the left lane on a 2 lane town road and hand to quickly go to the right lane safely and stop (emergency vehicle) and the person behind me just stopped in the left lane near me and quickly sped up and was right beside me so I couldn't get back into the left lane again and I missed my turn. Constantly rude people shouldn't drive.

I have always used my signals and I still do. The only time I won't use them is when there is no one in front or in back of me. Sometimes it gets irritating when people do not use their signals, but I don't get all devastated over it. I think we should be more concerned about the person who cuts across the highway just to make their exit.. Which I've seen in quite a few states. I don't judge a state by it's drivers because there are bad drivers in every state, so having something against an entire state because of a few bad drivers just seems childish to me.

[iabhornc]

Originally Posted by Quert

I remember a month ago when I was in the left lane on a 2 lane town road and hand to quickly go to the right lane safely and stop (emergency vehicle) and the person behind me just stopped in the left lane near me and quickly sped up and was right beside me so I couldn't get back into the left lane again and I missed my turn. Constantly rude people shouldn't drive.

I have always used my signals and I still do. The only time I won't use them is when there is no one in front or in back of me. Sometimes it gets irritating when people do not use their signals, but I don't get all devastated over it. I think we should be more concerned about the person who cuts across the highway just to make their exit.. Which I've seen in quite a few states. I don't judge a state by it's drivers because there are bad drivers in every state, so having something against an entire state because of a few bad drivers just seems childish to me.

That too!

They should re-educate those drivers and/or have the police enforce the rules more. That's your opinion, but, I have to say NC has the worst drivers around. Drivers here not only have a blatant disregard (for everything) period, but they are also very homicidal.

You are right. It's not the state, but it's the people and the attitudes of their's. People here drive slow in the fast lane, slow in the fast lane, pass on the right, blow by stop lights/signs as if they don't exist, use turn signals unexpectedly (as they make the turn) or don't use them at all, can't hold the steering wheel the proper way, strike and sometimes kill pedestrians (who ALWAYS have the right of way), consistently cause accidents due to their ignorance, etc. Those things do not devastate me, but they annoy the living !@#$ out of me. They should seriously REVOKE the licenses from almost everybody in sight here. If they were really in that much of a hurry, then they should put some speed into it. This is the MOST non-driving state I have ever seen.

There you have it. No need to explain any further. Reasons of that nature are why I choose not to drive. Either the law step it up a bit or I surrender my license. I am sick to death of putting up with the madness. I was amazed how, in Kentucky, they are better drivers than these dysfunctional, NC, mental cases who seriously have no business behind the wheel of a moving vehicle (weapon in their minds). I wish I could say the same thing about Indiana. Those are *my* opinions on the matter and are not intended to start a war.