Is a signal really necessary ?

fungus · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Dorset

I have just finished an artical in the May/June driving magazine by Steve Garrod, the Diamond Chief Examiner, in which he examines the use of signals.

Without going into detail, I can say that whilst I agree with a lot of what is said, one point I would not agree with is the need to signal a compulsory turn where the driver is in a dedicated lane.

Picture this. A roundabout on a dual carriageway controlled by traffic lights, with three lanes entering the roundabout. Lane 1, first exit and second exit,( lane 1 of the DC.) Lane 2, second exit, (lane 2 of the DC.) Lane 3, third exit, 3 o' clock. Exits at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock single carriageways.

Roundabout heavily trafficked. Learner driver in lane one going second exit. on passing the first exit the learner signals left. In lane two, cars were passing the learner. There was absolutely nowhere else the learner could have gone, so was a signal really necessary?

Nigel
ADI car
IAM car

dth · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 389

ScoobyChris · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 1033 Location: Andover, Hants

Not sure if it's applicable to your example, but you have to remember that people who may be looking out for the signal may not know the car has come from a dedicated lane (or even know there is a dedicated lane!) so a signal may be beneficial. As with all things, it seems to depend on the individual circumstances.

One argument my office mate (DSA level driver) used to put forward about signalling was that he was not infallible so surely signalling regardless is safer than selectively signalling and potentially missing giving a signal. Kind of stopped my argument in its tracks! Laughing

Chris

vonhosen · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 1568 Location: Behind you !

7db · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: London

TripleS · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:19 am Post subject:

waremark · Joined: 15 Apr 2006 Posts: 592

I know this is not quite a discussion about whether to signal selectively, but more about whether to signal in a specific situation. In my opinion the most powerful reason to signal selectively rather than all the time is to raise your own level of thinking and awareness of what is happening around. Generally if in doubt about whether to signal in a specific situation the decision is fairly evenly balanced and either way will be fine.

ROG · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 955 Location: LEICESTER

I say to my LGV trainees that if in a designated lane then a signal may be given to CONFIRM your intentions to others or to inform pedestrians who may not know that you are in a designated lane.
As for car learners, if they use a signal then it is one less thing for them to worry about should one become necessary part way through what they are doing.
_________________
ROG
Civilian Advanced Driver
Senior Observer
Leicester Group of Advanced Motorists
UNEMPLOYED LGV instructor

fungus · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Dorset

Maybe I have not described the exit clearly.

Lanes 1 & 2 follow a line directly into the dual carriageway. At the point of exit there is prominent kerbing. The road width would make trying to take the third exit very difficult due to the positioning of lanes 1 & 2, lane 3 being the only lane for that exit. Also the volume of traffic using lane 2 would make any other exit virtualy impossible.

Nigel.
ADI car
IAM car

dth · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 389

TripleS · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:01 am Post subject: