I use it literally everywhere out of habit, I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol

The only reason I won’t possibly use it is when I’m in a turn only lane at a red light and don’t want to listen to it for 3 minutes

Most people I find only use it 75% of the time at best.
I’m 2.5 years into driving and am curious if it’s just what semi-new drivers do or if I’m the odd one out.

  • @illi@lemm.ee
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    1531 month ago

    Always. Driveway? Blinkers. Parking? Blinkers. On an empty road with no one in sight? Believe it or not, blinkers.

    It’s a muscle memory. When you get used to using them, you just do. If you have exceptions, you might forget it when it matters.

    • @khannie@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      100% the same. I never even think about it. It’s just baked into my brain.

      The only time I don’t is leaving my driveway. We’re corner house on a quiet cul-de-sac so it just doesn’t occur to me.

      People leaving roundabouts on the first exit who don’t indicate before entering are the ones that annoy me most. They will watch me waiting to enter or slow down to stop as they approach and literally not lift a finger to help.

      Roundabout = indicator you donkey. There’s literally no legal way to use one without it (here anyway).

      • @Emerald@lemmy.world
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        01 month ago

        I always signal out of roundabouts, but never on. Legally I’m supposed to signal in but that makes no sense to me because of course I’m going to be entering the roundabout, there is never another option.

        • @khannie@lemmy.world
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          41 month ago

          Not being preachy…If you’re taking the first exit (turning right essentially if you drive on the right or turning left of you drive on the left) you should be indicating as you enter. It allows traffic from other lanes to enter the roundabout without stopping to figure out where you’re going.

      • @lars@lemmy.sdf.org
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        21 month ago

        My mom tried to tell me that when you turn left through an American roundabout, you enter and leave with your left blinker blinking.

        I was a child the last time I had to sit quietly on such a big disagreement with her lol. I guess I’m lucky.

    • @Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      11 month ago

      Sometimes when I’m turning a sharp normal turn in a parking lot or ramp, I’ll instinctively signal, even though there’s no need to.

    • IndiBrony
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      11 month ago

      I’m with you all the way to the final sentence.

      Your indicator usage is linked to your mirror usage. If you use indicators in all situations regardless, what you might actually forget to do is look in your mirrors properly, which is more important.

      Your first two mentions are fine examples. In the UK at least, using indicators when entering your driveway or a parking space isn’t necessary if no other cars or pedestrians are approaching your car.

      • @illi@lemm.ee
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        121 month ago

        Obviously I don’t just use blinkers and go without looking. I would’ve thought that goes without saying

        • @sem@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          101 month ago

          Why would somebody forget to check their mirrors more often if they use turn signals?

          It doesn’t logically follow to me.

        • @Serinus@lemmy.world
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          91 month ago

          I use it as soon as it’s clear what it means. If there are multiple turns, that might be four seconds so that they don’t expect me to turn early. I’ll typically hit it in the middle of the intersection of the first turn.

          If there’s no earlier option to turn, I’ll absolutely leave it on for 10-15 seconds.

          • @someonesmall@lemmy.ml
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            21 month ago

            Regarding switching lanes I prefer when other driver enable their signal a few seconds just before they do the maneuver. If they enable their blinker too early I don’t know when exactly they will switch lanes which is confusing IMHO.

      • Zagorath
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        841 month ago

        No. Not when the road curves. Only when changing lanes, turning at an intersection, or pulling out from being parked.

      • WolfmanEightySix
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        31 month ago

        We say we know people aren’t from our town when they use their indicators going round the market square and the corner after/before it.

  • @MoreFPSmorebetter@lemmy.zip
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    451 month ago

    …how else would people around me know what direction I’m about to move 2+ tons of metal???

    I can’t stand how often I see people changing lanes or taking turns with ZERO blinker usage. Selfish short sighted fucks.

    • @corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca
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      71 month ago

      You forgot the part where you turn your damned head and look beside you.

      Please tell me that’s just an oversight, and you’re not one of those.

  • ...m...
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    1 month ago

    …i always use my signals to unambiguously communicate intent; the only time i’ve been embarrassed is after carrying that habit onto the track, but it’s tough to break…

    …my wife uses her signals to ask permission, which i feel can cause confusion, but she feels the same way about me…

  • @CrazyLikeGollum@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    Yes. You’re supposed to use it anytime you’re about to turn or change lanes, including if you’re sitting in a turn lane at a red light or backing out of a drive way or parking spot.

    Not doing so makes you a road hazard.

  • @LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 month ago

    I get mad at myself if I don’t turn it on early enough. As I. If I go to change lanes and it only flashes once it really isn’t enough notice for other drivers so I usually bitch at myself.

    I may be the only person you meet who road rages against himself.

  • @PieMePlenty@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    Its the only way you can signal your intentions. Being predictable is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Combine these two and its a no brainer. Always use them.