Commuting - Attempt to get Drivers to Use Directionals (perhaps futile)

As commuters, you know that people constantly cut across your path, too often
without signaling. There are a number of intersections on my route that bring out the worst in
drivers... Approaching opposite to me, making left turns without signaling, really dangerously, pulling up to an intersection and making a right turn without signaling.... If you're to their right, you could be squashed. We as bicyclists are dependent on motorists' clear signaling, and I've had it to here with irresponsible drivers. I have adopted a habit that I would like to spread:

Clearly, but not harshly, yell "Directionals!" at these nitwits. Some perceive it as an affront
but compared to what they're doing, it's nothing. Give it a try, fellow commuters, and pass it on!
If serious cyclists start reminding these daydreaming

For the record, my commute is about 14 miles each way, hilly as heck, dense with irresponsible drivers for about half of its distance.

Thank You


tvphobic

Clearly, but not harshly, yell "Directionals!" at these nitwits.

You might want to substitute "turn signals" or "indicators" as appropriate to the region. ;)

I don't think drivers would understand either of the 3 words. Too complicated for them.

Idiot works best.

A well-timed, "MORON!" works best for me. :)

Dave

Since I'm a driver (that uses turn signals) I find that the only way I can influence other drivers when on a bike is to inconvenience them. Of course the only way this works is when I'm at the front of the line when I approach an intersection. I make it fairly obvious that I'm looking directly at their turn signals. If they are using a right signal, I pull to the left so they can "right on red". If they aren't using a signal, I let them wait.

Since I'm a driver (that uses turn signals) I find that the only way I can influence other drivers when on a bike is to inconvenience them. Of course the only way this works is when I'm at the front of the line when I approach an intersection. I make it fairly obvious that I'm looking directly at their turn signals. If they are using a right signal, I pull to the left so they can "right on red". If they aren't using a signal, I let them wait.

I do something similar. Basically I've learned not to rely on drivers' indicating signals. There is one thing that's worse than a driver turning without signalling, and that's a driver signalling with no intention of turning (yes, it happens, and often). To be honest I just watch the car for obvious signals of whether they are about to turn (slowing at the intersection, front wheels turned on an angle at the red light), and make my judgement appropriately. I'm usually right, but as Twahl suggests, I always have a contingency plan for the occasions that I'm not.

Either way, yelling "indicators" or "moron" or anything else at drivers is not going to make then change their behaviour. I learned that one years ago. Until we get enough police to enforce the law properly, we're just going to have to accept their behaviour and react to it appropriately.

Hi,

I cycled for 12 years through London - the last 5 or so I used a pastic football whistle. 1) It stopped me blurting out rude names to people and winding them up 2) I could use it quicker than I could think what to say and 3) A sharp load burst made everyone look round at the fool cutting me up..

Once you get passed the "dribble" phase - it works really well. I have never seen anyone else with a whistle, but once it is round your neck with a piece of string it really has the desired effect.

Have a go and let me know how it goes.....

Cheers

No way will they use turn signals. They are too busy talking on the cell phone, drinking coffee, reading newspapers, changing radio stations, inserting a CD, etc.

I keep expecting someone to come up to when I am driving and go "do you know you have a blinking light on the corner of your car?"

There is one thing that's worse than a driver turning without signalling, and that's a driver signalling with no intention of turning (yes, it happens, and often).

Actually there's one scenerio that's worse than either of these- the car with it's turn signal flashing for turning one direction and the driver turning the opposite way. :mad:

I keep expecting someone to come up to when I am driving and go "do you know you have a blinking light on the corner of your car?"

Reminds me of that one Simpsons episode when Homer becomes a limousine driver and gets pulled over.



Evening, Simpson. You got a short and your taillight started blinking when you made that turn. Let's see your chauffer's license.

Hah, yesterday a gentleman (I use this term loosely) honks at me because I am on the shoulder and waiting to go straight. He is also on the shoulder wanting to turn right on red. Oh, and get by thirteen cars to do so. :) I politely point at the sign, right next to me, that clearly states "Do not drive on shoulder" and then the sign under it, "Bike Route." He wasn't signaling, either. *shrugs*

Using turn signals seems to not be common around where I live. I just try the approprate hand signals and see if they understand them. Still get honked at at least twice a nice...

"On your right... wrong way!"

Actually there's one scenerio that's worse than either of these- the car with it's turn signal flashing for turning one direction and the driver turning the opposite way. :mad:

Indeed it is. Even more reason not to rely on turn signals.

his reminds me of some nut i saw on a corner once with a bullhorn screaming at everyone who didnt use their signals.


...If I cath up with one at a traffic light, i usually inform them of their "broken turn signal" they either get pissed off at me and show me that it does work, upon which I just ask them why they didnt use it, which gets them really red.....or they apologize for not signaling (the majority of them).

The rude ones are fun to play with...I used to do this to them even when I drove...I hate it when folks dont signal. Given I would drive at ******** speeds, but I also signaled every single lane change or turn, and payed undivided attention to the road, only using hte radio when I was at a light, or when I was hte only one on the road and there are no merging points nearby, never ate while driving, and definatey never used my cell while driving.....it wasnt hard to do...I dont see why these folks cant.