Monday, July 2, 2007

Ubiquitous signaling

An interesting read from a car listserv...the dream is shared:

In transitioning from the UK to US driving, the lack of signaling by US drivers was probably the hardest thing to get used to. Traffic moves so much better when folks signal their intent. I do not buy, at all, the 'I don't need to signal when no-one is around'. There is more effort in evaluating if you have immediate company or not, than there is in just signaling. And signaling, everytime, without fail, quickly becomes an effortless, automatic task that requires no conscious effort.

If I could wave a wand and improve the US driving experience, this would be it. Ubiquitous signaling. Its safer, its more considerate, it makes it easier to accommodate your fellow motorists.

Was it perfect in the UK? No, of course not. But the difference is this: 5-10% of lane changes in the UK might be without signal; around Philadelphia - my main but not exclusive experience - about 25% signal changes of lane, turns, and pulling over to park (actually I'm being generous with the 25%, methinks). I see this difference
routinely with monthly trips back to the UK.

This differential dramatically changes your awareness of the intent of the drivers around you.

Brian in Valley Forge
TR4 1963

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