Should you use your blinker if there's no one in front or behind you?

Question

My husband and I have this issue everytime there's no one around. He believes that I should use my blinker even though it can be 2 a.m. with no one on the road. I don't see the point. A blinker is to indicate to another driver that you are turning or merging, so why should I signal to let myself know I'm turning? What do you think?

Answer 1

It's a good idea just to keep in the habit so you never forget. Even if it does make you feel a little foolish.

Answer 2

I think it takes more conscious effort to let oneself be distracted by trying to determine if the situation warrants using the blinkers or not. It is so much easier, and safer to just use the blinkers EVERY time one makes a turn or changes lanes. It shouldn't be a decision. It should just be done.



Besides, if an error is made about whether or not there are other vehicles nearby, if you automatically use the blinkers, no harm is done. But if you determine that there are no vehicles, and you decide NOT to use the signals, the error could be catostrophic. You might miss seeing the person just pulling out of the driveway, or parking spot, or the pedestrian just getting ready to cross the street, or that cop, who just came out of the doughnut shop and is in the parking lot across the street.



Like any good driving habit. If your "default" condition is to obey the laws, driving is much less stressful if you have to make constant decisions about whether you will, or not, depending on driving conditions. Driving on public roads has enough decision points without you adding even more just because you "don't see the point."

Answer 3

42 years ago my very first traffic ticket was for "failure to use turn signal". I KNOW I use my turn signal ALL the time.

It doesn't make any difference whether I'm turning during the day time, night time, changing lanes or merging. Whether I'm driving on a busy road, a side street or parking lot.



Simply because you may not see anyone does not mean you can see everything. There are "blind spots". AND this means you aren't being watched - by the police. In these tough economic times, regardless of what you may think, hear or read, I BET the police were already given "marching orders" to produce revenue. This means writing MORE tickets.



AND with the mess the insurance companies are in, those tickets appear on a person's driving record. Guess what happens? Higher insurance premiums. AND in Pennsylvania as well as many other states, "points" are added to a person's record. This means higher insurance premiums for an extended period of time - sometimes for years!



Your husband is right! You and everyone else in the world can do as you please. As for me, I'm using my turn signals - ALL the time. IF (and when) you get that ticket, I KNOW you'll learn the hardest way - paying with your hard-earned money AND (maybe) your time - attending classes. I'm pretty sure your husband will remind you from time-to-time, too.



Rhetorically writing and asking: What's the benefit of NOT using the turn signals? I KNOW! To keep the bulb from burning-out!?



Thanks for asking your Q! I did my best to answer it.

I hope the information helps.



VTY,

Ron Berue

Yes, that is my real last name!

Answer 4

Signaling a turn is required under NJ's traffic statutes, and there is no provision allowing for failure to signal if no other traffic is around. Simply, this means that while it would be very unlikely that you'd be stopped, much less summoned, for failure to signal alone....it could happen. Why take the risk?



As others have mentioned, it's best to 'get in the habit.' Humans learn reflex actions by repetition, sometimes referred to as "muscle memory." This is the force, which causes you to be able to type without looking at your keyboard, dial a phone without concentrating on the next digit, and which sometimes drives us to stomp the brake pedal, even though we're in the passenger side of the vehicle.



By signaling every turn, you'll never have to worry about forgetting to signal a turn, in which other traffic may be affect. You also won't have to worry about getting that very unlikely summons.



That said, there is case law, in which it was argued that there was no other traffic in the vicinity for the driver's turn to potentially affect. The case was upheld, based on the fact that the officer's vehicle may have been affected by the turn.



http://www.romingerlegal.com/new_jersey/appellate/a3783-04.opn.html



It's a bit confusing to read, but leaves one with the impression that, in the right circumstances, a driver could get away with being caught failing to signal, but that it's highly unlikely. If you're stopped, even if there's no other traffic on the road, the chances are that the officer's patrol vehicle will be all the "other traffic" they need for a conviction.



see NJS 39:4-126 for the entire Appropriate Signals statute.



I'd just signal. It's worlds easier.

Answer 5

yes that is one of those thing you should get in the habit of doing . There will be times that when you go to make your turn and look there is no one in front or behind you. However in a split second some could say come over a hill or around a curve . If they can't tell your turning. Because your turn single is not on. They may run into you before the relies your turning . I have seen cars come what seem to be out of nowhere. so just because you don't see then don't mean there not there. You just can't see them for what ever reason. A hill, bush , curve , blind spot , or just did not see them. Better to always era on the side of caution.

Answer 6

As stated, get into the habit. I remember one time I was walking home from the bus stop at 11pm and I saw a police car approaching a red light. I made a bet with my self it would not stop or use the turn signal. Boy, I would of lost my $100 bet.

Answer 7

It is to let another driver know your intentions, however, pedestrians can also look at indicators to give them some idea when to cross. I don't know how many pedestrians (drunks!) are around your area at 2am, but it's worth indicating, just so you don't break the habit.



I live in quite a rural village and I'm often out driving at night when no one else is around, but I always use the indicators.

Answer 8

well... If you use it always then it becomes instinct and you'll never even have to think about it. Plus the bored cop sitting with his lights out on the side of the road (whose sergeant is bitching at him because he hasn't made his quota yet) might be looking for something to do.

Answer 9

Its a good idea to let EVERYBODY know if you are turning, not just people driving other cars. And at 2AM there could easily be a pedestrian you can't see.

Answer 10

Yes, you never know if police is around that corner, and at 2 a.m. they have nothing to do but pull you over.

Answer 11

Yes always use your blinkers no matter what the situation is...

Answer 12

Good habit. Besides you paid for the device why not use it. It may save your life.

Answer 13

It is the law. Why chance getting a citation?

Answer 14

Yes, it is a good habit to get into.

Answer 15

yes all the time