A push for National Turn Signal Day

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  • The non-use of turn signals causes stress among other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists ... hence, National Turn Signal Day!
    The non-use of turn signals causes stress among other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists ... hence, National Turn Signal Day!
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I heard that someone is watching you. And that you are often followed. You may ask why would anyone be following or watching your every move? Why? Why you ask? Because it has life or death implications for them! It is when they need to decipher your intentions to turn or not while you are driving your car or truck. It could result in great bodily injury or even death to the person who incorrectly guesses your intentions! That is why they are watching you very carefully.

Because the consequences of what you do, or don’t do, are so potentially severe, there are laws that govern your actions! Are you a careless citizen? Are you a law breaker? I am talking about the use of your turn signals when you are driving a vehicle on public roads and highways It is the law to use turn signals! Too many Floridians do not use turn signals when the law requires us to do so!

I’m not just spouting off in a self-righteous rant. I have the solution! And I am announcing it here and now. I am asking you to participate in two ways. Use your turn signals every time you anticipate turning your steering wheel to change lanes or make any turn; and tell others about the following proclamation: On the third Thursday of every month, it is National Turn Signal Day. It includes three purposes; (1) Reminds people to always use their turn signals. (2) Helps make it a permanent habit. (3) Educates the public the importance of always using their turn signals. When we notice that a lot more people are using turn signals, we will see and experience the huge difference it makes!

Bicyclists look at every vehicle in their vicinity as a possible threat to their safety. Pedestrians wonder if it is safe to cross a street when a vehicle is nearby. It is vitally important for every driver to use their turn signals all the time; every time they turn, so other people watching them can decide what is their safest action to take.

The non-use of turn signals causes stress among other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. When every driver is properly indicating their intentions through their use of turn signals, it makes sharing the roadways much more enjoyable! It will no longer be a guessing game for the pedestrian or bike rider to know what the driver will do. They won’t have to calculate all the options for their survival as they wonder where that car is headed.

Drivers need to communicate their intentions at least 100 feet before turning. And it must be all the time —every time! With no exceptions! Even when we think nobody will be impacted by turning. Somebody could step into the path of a vehicle if they don›t know the exact intention of the driver. The same with bicyclists.

Share the news! Inform others. Declare the third Thursday as National Turn Signal Day and turn it into a national movement!