Indicators. Every car today is fitted with them as standard (how generous!), and have been fitted with them for quite some time. However, it would appear that some people still don't seem to understand their purpose or how to use them. In this post, I shall attempt to educate those who are evidently too stupid to already know how to indicate, or indicate correctly..
The indicator is a brilliantly simple piece of kit. With a simple flick of the hand, one has the ability to signal to other road users your intention to change lane, turn, pull out, or park. This is particularly useful in heavy traffic, where one does not wish to cause an accident by crashing into another motorist because they didn't know you wished to change lanes. When you are indicating, you are essentially saying "Hello, please let me into your lane!" or "Hello, I wish to pull out!" or "Hello! I just want to pull over for a minute!". Now, there is no guarantee that the other person will let you into their lane(we'll cover this type of selfish bastard in another post), it does at least tell them that you wish to change lanes and that they should adjust their driving accordingly.
Most people will graciously allow you to merge into their lane, and when they do, all you need to do is safely turn into the lane, continue to indicate until you have completed your lane change, while doing shoulder checks, and maintaining speed, then continue with your journey. Great job! You have successfully indicated and changed lanes! Gold star to you, ol' boy! And if someone has allowed you to merge in front of them, it is simple courtesy to give a friendly wave of your hand to thank them. Super simple stuff. And while we're on the topic, it really doesn't hurt to let someone merge in front of you, be courteous to your fellow motorists!
One should also use the indicator when in a turning lane. While everyone assumes that you wish to turn as you are in a turning lane, it just helps to confirm that, yes, you wish to turn when you can. One again, leave your indicator on until you have completed your manoeuvre, and keep alert as you turn in front of other motorists as some are off in their own world who don't realise that you are turning in front of them. Keep your wits about you!
The final big one is when you are pulling over/parking. If you need to pull off, or park, again, keep your indicator on until you are finished. This just lets everyone else know very clearly what your intentions are. Then, once you are done, indicate as you pull out when it is safe to do so, and always shoulder check, Don't stop indicating until you are safely pulled out and in the lane you wish to be in. Keep your pull out game strong!
These are the absolute basics of indicators. I hope this helps those of you who did know know how to properly indicate, although, one does have to wonder how the Hell you managed to even get your license in the first place!
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