Turn Signals Are Not An Options Package

The lack of turn signal use by other drivers has always bugged me, but 3 identical incidents at the same intersection coming out of my neighborhood in the last 3 days prompted me to write something about it.

First of all, turn signals are not optional on a vehicle these days. You cannot request the model without them, because that model never came off the manufacturer's assembly line. Why do you think a standard dirt bike isn't "street legal"? Because it doesn't come with turn signals, among other things. So, anyone who thinks they're optional equipment, they're not.

Secondly, why aren't they optional? Because with so many cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, XUVs, hybrids, motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, semis, and other vehicles on the roads today, we all need to be aware of what the next person over plans on doing. Turn signals were not installed on vehicles for our pleasure or enhanced driving experience, they were installed to safely alert other drivers of your intention so they can make wise decisions while on the road.

It's common sense - the hundreds and thousands of drivers around you need to know what your next move is so they can plan their next move accordingly, otherwise we get stupid, avoidable accidents occurring left and right.

So, I implore those of you who fail to use turn signals, and use them properly, to start doing so. Consider it the next time someone pulls out in front of you and cuts you off, or randomly turns off a highway when you're not expecting it and you have to slam on your brakes, or, what happened to me lately: you're waiting to make a turn, and an oncoming car plans on turning down the same street but never signals so you have to wait that much longer when you could have been halfway up the street.

Boy do I welcome comments on this one if you've got 'em.