when did it change then?

[matchless]

i was brought up to believe that an indicator signal was a warning of someones "intention" to do a manouvre if it is safe to do so, when did this change to "i am doing it so beware" whatever?

[vonhosen]

You are lucky to get one at all with a lot of drivers.

[shuvitupya]

That will be when traffic police vanished from our roads.

Never mind about indicators.

Traffic laws in general no longer seem to exist.

[matchless]

thats true and its now down to the "Scameras" to enforce the Law

[GreenV8S]

Round here, an indicator means 'yes I meant to do that'.

[trevorh]

They're operating to 'SOIL'. Steering operated indicator lights.
Unfortunately planning ahead appears to be a dying skill with too many drivers.

[jith]

vonhosen said:

You are lucky to get one at all with a lot of drivers.

A totally correct unambiguous and completely relevant statement VH, and I would just add that it is one of the biggest single problems on our roads today; and in my experience, is one of the largest causes of accidents, particularly on roundabouts.

[7db]

Don't forget - all the speed cameras ate all the traffic policemen - that's where they all went.

[TripleS]

Yes I know, late signals - or none at all - can make life difficult, but if you drive in accordance with what others are doing and you're wary enough, you can still avoid most of the problems.

I'm not saying it's a complete answer. In many cases it is the other guy's fault but there is quite a bit we can do to protect ourselves - if MHO is of any help.

Let's try and derive a bit of satisfaction from keeping things right ourselves - despite the antics of the other lot!

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[killer2005]

GreenV8S said:

Round here, an indicator means 'yes I meant to do that'.

Round here an indicator isnt even used

[zumbruk]

Actually, I think the indicator thing is merely a reflection of a general change of attitude. I've noticed in recent years that when people on the Tube say "Excuse me", what they mean isn't "I apologise for having to push past you". What they *actually* mean is "Sod off out of the way so I can stand where you are".

I've stopped moving out of the way when people say "Excuse me", now, since they merely stand where I was, leaving me in a worse position.

[GKP]

GreenV8S said:

Round here, an indicator means 'yes I meant to do that'.

Although, round here it means 'Damn, I meant squirt the windscreen'...

[BigBob]

GKP said:

GreenV8S said: Round here, an indicator means 'yes I meant to do that'. Although, round here it means 'Damn, I meant squirt the windscreen'...

Round here it means "What's that light flashing on and off on my dashboard all about'

[TheExcession]

BigBob said:

GKP said: GreenV8S said: Round here, an indicator means 'yes I meant to do that'. Although, round here it means 'Damn, I meant squirt the windscreen'... Round here it means "What's that light flashing on and off on my dashboard all about'

Having ridden motorbikes for several years, for me the only thing a flashing indicator ever means is that the bulb works.

[deva link]

matchless said:

i was brought up to believe that an indicator signal was a warning of someones "intention" to do a manouvre if it is safe to do so, when did this change to "i am doing it so beware" whatever?

The trouble is that often, when you indicate to, say, pull back into a line of traffic, the guy you're pulling in front of will try to block you.
Our defensive driving trainers (ex-Police) at work say that as long as you indicate, the other driver should drop back and let you in. If there was an accident, the other driver could be charged with careless driving (driving without due care and consideration).

[streaky]

Many drivers appear to use the indicators to remind themselves what they just did - Streaky

[WildCat]

streaky said:

Many drivers appear to use the indicators to remind themselves what they just did - Streaky

I think you are not wrong there Liebchen! I have lost count of number on M6 who indicate their intention to move to L2/L3 after they have done so.

Und you can move back into L1 without indicating provided you can see person you just overtook in full in your mirrors This ist the gap und margin which you should leave as "courteous driver"

Ist just to clarify an IAM suggestion over "superfluous use"

[telecat]

deva link said:

matchless said: i was brought up to believe that an indicator signal was a warning of someones "intention" to do a manouvre if it is safe to do so, when did this change to "i am doing it so beware" whatever? The trouble is that often, when you indicate to, say, pull back into a line of traffic, the guy you're pulling in front of will try to block you. Our defensive driving trainers (ex-Police) at work say that as long as you indicate, the other driver should drop back and let you in. If there was an accident, the other driver could be charged with careless driving (driving without due care and consideration).

I was taught that you should never pull in unless you are sure you are clear and that you will not cause an obstruction to the vehicle on your nearside. Indicators are no excuse and should not be used unless you are turning left or stopping. As for the Police giving you that advice.... I'd suggest they are too used to having the Blues and two's giving them previliges they would not have in a plain car.

>> Edited by telecat on Monday 29th May 13:01

[Parrot of Doom]

heh, you get this 'indication means I'm coming' attitude all the time on the motorway.

Recently I was in lane 3 overtaking a couple of trucks in lanes 1 & 2, and there was another motorist in lane 2 behind one of these trucks. As I approached at around 80mph, the other motorist started indicating when I was around 50 yards behind him. I just kept on going, only for this other guy to slowly creep into my lane. Stupidly really, I just carried on and let him know in no uncertain terms that just because he had his indicators on didn't mean that I should let him in. He couldn't decide if it was safe to move into lane 3 or not, and eventually moved back across. It got to the point where I overtook him and he pulled out behind me, flashing his headlamps etc....

I can be a bit bloody minded sometimes, but people need to learn to judge distances in their mirrors. If he had put his foot down and pulled out a bit earlier there wouldn't have been a problem.....

[james_j]

In the main, I have noticed the chavvier the car and driver, the worse the indicating (and driving in gereral).