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

[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...

[RichMonk]

Come on just think for yourself for a minute. People are lazy idiots. Does it require further explanation than that? I am pretty sure the average driving moron doesn't get up in the morning and come up with any 'logic' to why they are going to be a s*** driver.

While I use turn signals myself, I find the signals of others irrelevant. People use them incorrectly so often that I have found that anticipating their moves by observing their driving attitude is much more effective. Though I wish more people would use their damn signals. Also, you people need to slow down in school zones. Being in the suburbs and then the city here I've taken notice to how common it is to blow through a school zone. Even flashing lights don't slow people down. Cops regularly speed through school zones too...Honestly it is the only thing about this place that has truly disgusted me. If I ever have kids here they are NOT walking to school. Too many drivers here are wreckless around kids.

EDIT: Back to your topic...Signal use on the highways I travel on seem pretty average with other places I've been. I'll give exception to 90/94, especially where it connects to 55, b/c the amount of merging going on there just lends itself for the opportunistic driver to hop in a spot as soon as they can. Try Manila if you want to see NO ONE use turn signals...LOL they don't even stay on the roads :P

[dementor]

Originally Posted by RichMonk

Come on just think for yourself for a minute. People are lazy idiots. Does it require further explanation than that? I am pretty sure the average driving moron doesn't get up in the morning and come up with any 'logic' to why they are going to be a s*** driver.

While I use turn signals myself, I find the signals of others irrelevant. People use them incorrectly so often that I have found that anticipating their moves by observing their driving attitude is much more effective. Though I wish more people would use their damn signals. Also, you people need to slow down in school zones. Being in the suburbs and then the city here I've taken notice to how common it is to blow through a school zone. Even flashing lights don't slow people down. Cops regularly speed through school zones too...Honestly it is the only thing about this place that has truly disgusted me. If I ever have kids here they are NOT walking to school. Too many drivers here are wreckless around kids.

I agree. Some people use turn signals as afterthough, when they actually completed a lane change or thing turn signla means that they can just change a line right in fron of you. Nevertheless such a general disregard for a basic traffic law and common sense rule makes me wonder if this is a matter of bad driver's education or simply sloppy driving.

[RichMonk]

Originally Posted by dementor

I agree. Some people use turn signals as afterthough, when they actually completed a lane change or thing turn signla means that they can just change a line right in fron of you. Nevertheless such a general disregard for a basic traffic law and common sense rule makes me wonder if this is a matter of bad driver's education or simply sloppy driving.

Yeah, the afterthought turn signal is a big one that I see most people do everywhere. While, I guess it is better than nothing ::shrugs::

Driver's Ed in this country is **** poor. I think this is a big reason why you see differing driving proficiencies as you cross the nation. Some states or cities have greater requirements of newer drivers or have better driving education programs at their schools.

Overall, I think driving requirements and education should be greater and federally standardized (b/c everyone uses the interstates).

[myrc60]

I use signals so I'm not going to vote in your poll. I agree with RichMonk that it is laziness and the problem is not just in Chicago. I don't think a cop would pull someone over for only a failure to signal so drivers who are lazy don't bother. Its a "I can get away with this" mentality that happens all too often on the streets today and sooner or later it is going to kill somebody.

Be careful out there!

[oakparkdude]

Driving in Boston, I learned that using turn signals is considered to be the equivalent of giving an enemy army advance notice of your battle plans.

[RichMonk]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Driving in Boston, I learned that using turn signals is considered to be the equivalent of giving an enemy army advance notice of your battle plans.

LOL...I just got an image of highways covered with cars loaded down with armor and with massive guns pointed in all directions while flocks of rockets fly overhead.

[dementor]

Originally Posted by myrc60

I use signals so I'm not going to vote in your poll. I agree with RichMonk that it is laziness and the problem is not just in Chicago. I don't think a cop would pull someone over for only a failure to signal so drivers who are lazy don't bother. Its a "I can get away with this" mentality that happens all too often on the streets today and sooner or later it is going to kill somebody.

Be careful out there!

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.

[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.

[nidex]

Originally Posted by dementor

I wish CPD would make people understand that using turn signals is not optional

Hahahaha. They wouldn't want to waste their time with such a pointless ticket, and if you haven't noticed, they don't use their signals either. Nor do they follow the speed limit, or stop for stop signs half the time.