Turn Signals

Yes, turn signals, precisely those devices installed in automobiles with the specific purpose to be utilized by drivers to inform other drivers of your intention to change lanes or direction.  However, based upon my personal observation accumulated after decades of driving along the highways and byways, I've noticed that for some reason a high number of drivers opt not to use their turn signals.  Perhaps they do not know what that appendage protruding from the left side on the steering wheel column is there for, or maybe there is a deeper interpretation yet to be revealed.  Of course, you, my friendly reader, always signal your intention to turn, but it's the other readers that I'm not too sure about!

(Have you also questioned whether or not those new expensive luxury cars come equipped with turn signals?)

You see, signalling your intention to turn is not only a matter of obeying the law, it's also a matter of vehicle safety and common courtesy to the other drivers.  For example, California State Vehicle \ Code states that for safe driving practices ...

Always signal to other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians when you plan to turn left, right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicle’s signal lights. If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, also use hand-and-arm signals.

Always signal—this lets other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians know your plans.

Signal:

• When making a left or right turn, during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. Caution!—Even though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you want to occupy is clear.
• Before every lane change check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
• Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.
• When you change directions.
• Even when you do not see other vehicles. A vehicle you do not see may suddenly appear and hit you.

If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he or she may pull out in front of you.  Remember to cancel your signal after turning. 

Be honest now, does the above describe what you typically observe during your daily commutes? 

I thought not!

(Other drivers can be very rude!  All I am trying to do is to drink my Starbuck's latte, eat a bagel, fix my hair, text my buddies, light a smoke, pluck my eyebrows, read the newspaper, shave my beard, surf on my blackberry, put on lipstick, pick my nose, put in my contacts, talk on my iPhone, or tie a Windsor knot..., and all they want to do is honk their horn at me!)

Visualize yourself stopped at a busy intersection waiting (patiently, of course) for the cross-traffic to pass so you can turn left and continue on your travels.  Suddenly Lady Luck appears to smile on you because there is shaping up an opportunity for you to make your move as soon as the vehicle coming from your left side passes by - just a moment more and you're ready to go - waiting for that one second chance to move out - but hey, what's happening?  That "one car" that is critical to your freedom appears to be slowing down, practically stopping right before you, and now it's turning right instead of driving by you!  %#@*!  Now you've lost that one-chance-in-a-million to get across the traffic - IF ONLY that driver signalled his intention to turn you could have been outta here!  Now you are stuck again and the traffic situation definitely is not improving nor is your attitude.  The birthing of road rage in real time!

(Have you noticed how often you are the first vehicle at a red light?  What are the odds?)

So what is my beef?  You see, even though state laws mandate turn signals be used for safety reasons, the issue to me is not whether one observes the laws but rather what is the attitude behind that decision.  You see, complimentary to vehicle safety are matters of courtesy, respect and consideration for the other drivers that are sharing the universe with you.  It's been said that a vehicle is just an extension of the personality behind the wheel and not much more can be truer than that observation. 
 

(Have you also noticed that drivers of large SUV's are the most inconsiderate of all drivers?  Of course not you in your SUV but certainly those others!  Well, that is another story for another time.)

So if a vehicle is an extension of a driver's personality, what does that say about drivers that exhibit road rage, excessive speeding, tail-gating, weaving in & out of traffic, running stop signs, failing to yield, or not using turn signals?  On a single instance, no big deal, but on a continuing basis any casual observer may deduct that these driving habits reflect a person that is self-centered, inconsiderate, and oblivious to others safety and well-being.  Does this describe you - of course not.

(Did you ever notice how many of the vehicles driven by the above personalities have a fish logo attached on the rear of their car?)

Now, you and I observe a strict adherence to the rules of the road, at least most of the time, which is why we enjoy clean driving records and low auto-insurance rates.  But what about our strict adherence to God’s Rules as we travel down the road of life?  How do we react when we hit bumps in the road or when we are forced to detour off of our path to success?  When we come to that proverbial cross road, do we follow the crowd or do we follow our conscious?  Are we the same person behind the wheel during a major traffic jam as we are when sitting in a church pew?  Are we speeding through life so fast that we fail to slow down to give a lift to those in need?  Do we consider others on the road as children of God or as obstacles to be maneuvered out of our way?  Do we realize what signals we send to those casual observers when we exit the road in an attempt to short-cut the journey that Jesus left for us to follow? 

 
(Do you know any current day Jeckle & Hydes - you know, the ones whose personality totally changes when they get behind the wheel of a car - what's that all about?)

Jesus commands us to love others as He has loved us (John 15:12).  I'm sure that message includes our actions behind the wheel of a car so let's share His love by sharing the road.  That slow car in front of you may be sent there by God to protect you from an accident or perhaps a speeding ticket.  And those red traffic lights that seem to know when you are coming to an intersection, well they provide us a great opportunity to pause and give thanks to God for His grace and mercy.  Let our journey be about others as much as it is about ourselves.  And pray for those that define road rage for their lives may need to find the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. 

(Do you agree that there ought to be a law forbidding seniors that have all day to get nowhere from driving during rush hours!)

Finally, pray for me because at times I too have my weak moments - just like you!



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