Why don't we use turn signals when changing lanes on a highway??? (Chicago: moving, automobile)

[dementor]

Originally Posted by nidex

Americans in general are stupid when it comes to driving. Nobody understands the concept of a traffic pattern, this is why an autobahn style highway would never, ever work here.

I wouldn't call it stupid but lazy. I agree though that a concept of traffic flow as in "keep up with the traffic" is foreign to most American drivers.

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by dementor

Yeah. I often wish our drivers would have to drive on European highways for a few days and be subjected to scrutiny of the police force over there. There is a reason German can have Autobahn w/o speed limit and not a disastrous rate of car accidents. You can get tickets over there for many things that are considered normal in the US, even though in direct violation of the law.
Technically not signalling while changing lane is a infraction, I wish CPD would make people understand that using turn signals is not optional. It's a law and safety feature. Cars have turn signals for a reason. You can easily get a ticket for this in New York.

When I was a child growing up in the 60's in Iowa we were afraid to litter because we knew the police would get us for it. Too bad that mentality doesn't exist today.

[nidex]

The public in general can't grasp the concept of fast moving cars in the left lane, slow in the right lane. As well as moving over if you're in the fast lane and somebody is trying to get past you. On top of that, you have people doing 10,000 other things while they SHOULD be focusing on their car and the cars around them. That's not being lazy, that's being stupid.

[dementor]

Originally Posted by myrc60

When I was a child growing up in the 60's in Iowa we were afraid to litter because we knew the police would get us for it. Too bad that mentality doesn't exist today.

It does in some places. I almost got a ticket when I threw out a cigarret but outside the window of my rental car - there are no ashtrays in rental cars.
I got out of it somehow but I really support enforcing that law even though I am used to different behavior myself. I think I would adapt quickly.
I think police is way to lenient when it comes to public safety such as enforcing traffic laws and regulation. "Failure to signal" is a real traffic offense.

[Nafster]

Originally Posted by dementor

(...) After my few years in Chicago I still can't understand the general stampede on Chicago highways. It seems that MOST people driving on Chicago highways do not realize that using turn signals while changing lanes and pulling over is not an option but is actually required by the law, international standard of highway safety.
Since I do not understand it I am interesting to find out what is the logic behind common disregard for this law and common sense rule on Chicago highways...
Please tell me why...

I didn't know this was only a Chicago problem.

You seem to think that the whole world shares your opinion on Chicago, which is completely bogus.

I guess everybody has different experiences, but I always use my turn signal when on the highway.

By the way you worded your question ("Why don't WE use turn signals...) it seems like you don't use your turn signals either. And you're from New York. What does that mean about those drivers?

I.E. - Who cares.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by RichMonk

Driver's Ed in this country is **** poor.

Can you name another country that has better drivers? Based on my travels, I cant think of any.

Canada maybe, but i was young when I went there.

Australia and New Zealand were comparable to driving in America, I did not see a difference.

Thailand was insane. India was scary. Greece was insane. Egypt was pretty crazy. Wales was comparable to driving somewhere in the midwest. England was congested for the most part.

I dont disagree we have idiot drivers, I just dont agree with the quoted statement.

[dementor]

Originally Posted by skipcromer

Can you name another country that has better drivers? Based on my travels, I cant think of any.

How about German drivers? It's not only a matter of better drivers but the police enforcing the laws.

[dementor]

Originally Posted by Nafster

I didn't know this was only a Chicago problem.

It is not yet in Chicago it is hard to find drivers who signal lane changes, when make right turn or pull over or pull out form the curb. It's like the laws and rules do not apply here.

Originally Posted by Nafster

By the way you worded your question ("Why don't WE use turn signals...) it seems like you don't use your turn signals either. And you're from New York. What does that mean about those drivers?

The question was worded in this way as an attempt not to offend anybody... it's not bashing of Chicago nor start of a flame war. i DRIVE HERE AND I really want to know why most people think that signaling lane changes is optional. I simply can't believe it. This is a law not a suggestion.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by dementor

How about German drivers? It's not only a matter of better drivers but the police enforcing the laws.

Ive never been to Germany, so I cant speak for it.

But i have seen some Crazy images and videos of wrecks on the Autobahn.

[Janinele]

ok, as a German...

the no-speed-limit is just true for maybe 40% of the whole Autobahn system - the rest has speed limits just as well, but: there is a clear system of slow drivers in the lane on the very right and the faster you are - the more left you go - and: you can only overtake a slower car on the left - this is the most striking difference compared to here - where its completely random.

and yeah definitely indicate wherever you go - the police will get you for that (if you don't) and for so much more - as stated above.

in general - just my impression - Germans tend to drive faster and a bit aggressive (if you leave too much space to the car in front of you - you'll be overtaken....).