Using your signal when changing lanes....

[DizBelle]

How do you use your signal when changing lanes?

DH doesn't put his signal on until he has found the space he will change into and is in the act of changing lanes. But he gets angry at other drivers for not making a space for him to change lanes. I tell him that he can't be angry at them because he gave no indication that he wanted to change lanes.

He says he doesn't do it that way because he thinks that when other drivers see a signal, they close up the spaces preventing people from changing lanes into them.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I voted for the second option--that's what I do most times. The only time I turn on my turn signal in advance of finding an open spot is if the lane I need to change into is jam-packed.

 

[wiigirl]

#2...but always a signal at some point.

 

[clarkshel]

I make sure there is a spot first, then put on my signal light. For the same reason as OP's husband said. Sometimes the cars will close the spot of they see a signal light. But I usually wait until there is a big space to move into. Doing it this way is better for the flow of traffic. You don't have people having to slow down to let people in front of them.

 

[MIGrandma]

Most of the time I'm with the majority, I wait until I see an open spot then put my signal on and move over.

I don't feel that I should put my signal on, if there is plenty of time, and just expect someone to let me in so that's why I wait until I see an open spot. Now if I have to turn in a block, and I need to get over NOW, then yes, I will immediately put my signal on to let other drivers know that I NEED to get over so I can make my turn. Usually someone lets me in that way.

Now with DH, if he needs to get over NOW he gets impatient with people because they "won't let him in." I tell him "you need to put your turn signal on so they know you need to get over!"

 

[trip]

I voted for the second option--that's what I do most times. The only time I turn on my turn signal in advance of finding an open spot is if the lane I need to change into is jam-packed.

This is what I do.

You should have included "other" as an option.

 

[HM]

I do a combination of the two. If I NEED to get over, I'll signal that I need to get in. If I want to move over but don't need to immediately, I'll look for an opening. (I'd vote OTHER, not offered).

 

[kimblebee]

Around here, we put on our signal, then look for a space to move into. Most times, people will slow down to allow you in. The only time this doesn't happen is when a lane is ending and someone speeds to the end of it and then tries to cut in. Drives me crazy and I make a point of not letting them in. We all knew the lane was ending and managed to move over in time, you should be able to too.

 

[design_mom]

DH doesn't put his signal on until he has found the space he will change into and is in the act of changing lanes. But he gets angry at other drivers for not making a space for him to change lanes. I tell him that he can't be angry at them because he gave no indication that he wanted to change lanes.

My husband is like your husband and it drives me crazy. He gets so upset that no one will "let him in" but they have no idea that he wants to get over.

If traffic is light and there are plenty of spots to change into, I'll put my signal on once I see my space. However, if traffic is heavy (which I think is the scenario you're discussing), I'll put on my signal early to let people know that I want to change lanes.

For DH, the signal means "I am changing lanes." For me, it means "I intend to change lanes as soon as possible."

In my anecdotal evidence there are some people who will close up gaps and won't let you over. However, there are also people who will let you in if they know you want to change lanes. I may or may not get over faster, but my blood pressure stays a lot lower doing it "my way" instead of "his way."

 

[Feralpeg]

I put on my signal and look for a space to move. I like to let other drivers know my intent before I start the action of moving. I've not noticed other drivers closing up the spot to prevent me from changing lanes. In fact, I've found the opposite to be true. Unless the spot is so tight that it isn't really a good idea to move to that spot anyway, most drivers give me the room I need to safely change lanes.

I hate drivers that do not signal or only signal after they are already half way into the lane change. When they do this, I have no idea what they intend until the action is almost over.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I do a combination of the two. If I NEED to get over, I'll signal that I need to get in. If I want to move over but don't need to immediately, I'll look for an opening. (I'd vote OTHER, not offered).

This

 

[sksjasams]

I always put my blinker on and then find a spot so other drivers know my intention is to move over.

However, several of us moms were having a discussion, and we all agreed this is how we had been taught, but apparently it is not being taught that way in drivers ed anymore (at least around here). Students are being taught to find a spot, and then turn on your blinker to move over.

 

[DizBelle]

Around here, we put on our signal, then look for a space to move into. Most times, people will slow down to allow you in. The only time this doesn't happen is when a lane is ending and someone speeds to the end of it and then tries to cut in. Drives me crazy and I make a point of not letting them in. We all knew the lane was ending and managed to move over in time, you should be able to too.

I guess you missed the other thread where this was discussed. The place to merge when a lane is running out is the point at which the lane runs out and you merge like a zipper. One car from each lane taking turns.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I do the first option unless I am driving in Houston. In Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and smaller areas, most people drive friendly and will let you in. In Houston, they are a bunch of jackdandies when it comes to driving and will refuse to let you in. Because of that, you don't really signal your intentions until you are already executing them... if at all.

 

[kate_wdw]

Both.

On streets, in non-congested traffic, or in situations in which I need to get over quickly, I signal first.

On highways or in congested traffic, I look for openings and then signal.

 

[KristaTX]

Usually I turn my blinker on first before finding a spot. I see signaling as saying "please let me over". I know not everyone sees it that way and that some people see the road as a race track, but most people are nice and will let me over if I "ask". I do the same.

 

[scrapquitler]

How do you use your signal when changing lanes?

DH doesn't put his signal on until he has found the space he will change into and is in the act of changing lanes. But he gets angry at other drivers for not making a space for him to change lanes. I tell him that he can't be angry at them because he gave no indication that he wanted to change lanes.

He says he doesn't do it that way because he thinks that when other drivers see a signal, they close up the spaces preventing people from changing lanes into them.

I agree with your DH. If I put the signal on before I knew what space I'd be going into, my signal would be on for miles before a spot appeared.

 

[dizluvah]

The turn signal is to indicate what you plan to do not what you ARE doing.

 

[PatsGirl]

Here in Massachusetts using your directionals (or turn signals) is optional so I need a third voting choice.

 

[hereyago]

I voted 2nd option.


For those who have loved ones who get upset that other drivers wont let them in because they CHOOSE not to use a signal before hand, tell them the other drivers arent psychic, that is why it is imperative to use the signals,lol.