Experts say that the inability for drivers to make the simple move to turn the signal on as a way to let other drivers know where they’re going, may be, perhaps, deadly than distracted driving.
The inability of South Florida drivers to use their signals is rampant. The Society of Automotive Engineers says that drivers either neglect to use their signals when changing lanes – or fail to turn the signals off – 48 percent of the time, according to the NBC report. When turning, the failure rate is around 25 percent.
So why don’t drivers use their turn signals? Are they lazy? Or perhaps they don’t understand that they must use the signal every time they make a turn, or switch lanes on a highway? Put another way: If you’re on I-95 with cars traveling next to you and behind you at a high rate of speed, not alerting drivers of your intention to switch lanes or to turn off the highway is negligent and irresponsible. And illegal. Signal use is written into the law. Consider these three components of Florida statute 316.155:
* No person may turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a highway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and then only after giving an appropriate signal …
* A signal of intention to turn right or left must be given continuously (and) not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
* No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear, when there is opportunity to give such signal.
Lack of signal use causes car accidents and personal injury. Always contact a personal injury litigation attorney in Ft Lauderdale if you have been the victim of a car accident, to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Always use your turn signal while driving – other drivers can’t read your mind. Your lack of signal use could cause you and others serious injury that may cause a lifetime of financial and physical pain.
