Turn signal woes (or how not to get hit by traffic)

[RandyT]

I have a question. Is the turn signal actually working with the flashers on. I have to turn off my flashers to use turn signals otherwise both keep flashing.

 

[skyhook]

Get some LED flashers with arrows. The bigger the better.

 

[SSdoxie]

Get some LED flashers with arrows. The bigger the better.

X2 and wire them to a separate circuit so they don't flash with the 4 way.

 

[Grandad4]

Seems that drivers everywhere are pretty much the same in their reckless, impatient driving habits. I added a rearview mirror to allow me to keep an eye on traffic approaching from the rear. That at least let me monitor what people were doing much better than turning my head every couple of seconds.

The flasher/turn signal thing does seem to be confusing for drivers. One thing I've tried that seems to help is to reduce speed a bit when activating the turn signal. That forces someone who is following to also slow down and often seems to break their "target fixation" on passing you just enough they will notice the turn signal, the fact you are edging to the left and maybe using your arm to signal a turn. But that only works "most of the time". There are some drivers who are so oblivious to the situation, their behavior is nothing short of erratic.

I kind of like the idea of a really large, bright LED-type turn signal... something like what's used on schoolbuses, for example, that isn't using the same light unit as the 4-way flashers.

Undecided whether an escort vehicle helps or makes it worse. I've had both experiences.

It's also largely undpredictable just which drivers and vehicles are going to be cautious and which will be reckless. Big rig operators mostly tend to be cautious, soccer moms on cellphones, not so much, young dudes in pickups are usually in a hurry, as are workmen on the clock, but don't ever take for granted you've figured out what someone is going to do!

 

[airbiscuit]

I've thought about just not using the flashers and just rely on the SMV emblem(s), that way when the turn signal is put on it'll be apparent to the drivers that are following. Or possibly turning off the flashers for a few seconds before I turn the signal on, so that it grabs attention that the pattern has changed.

Get some LED flashers with arrows. The bigger the better.

I do think the flashers mask the turn signals (even if one is disabled) - just doesn't look different enough.

If there is no oncoming traffic, I start to ease my tractor into the left hand lane so it is obvious I am turning. by the time I get to the intersection, I am full in the left hand lane so they can pass me on the right. That's an old school farmer turn signal.

 

[PJSprog]

My advice: own the lane when you're in it, and own the road when you're turning. Don't give them room to pass, or they will try. Unfortunately, no one is looking at your flashers or turn signals for more than a second or two when they first see you and think, "Oh, crud, I'm behind another tractor." After that, they are only looking around or through you to see the first opportunity to pass. Most people are impatient drivers at best. You learn a lot about bad drivers and how to spot them riding a motorcycle. These lessons apply to tractoring on roads, too.

 

[TheeKb]

And it sux more when snap something on an implement jerking it back or a long behind plow implement manages to gouge ur tire

 

[hawkeye08]

Agree, drivers are more aggressive recently. I have noticed that when someone has flashers on, folks want to pass. When the turn signal is on too long, they ignore it and think the driver just forgot it and pass anyway.

 

[aeblank]

Not that you should have to, but maybe pull off on the right side, then cross the road as if you were just on the other side once traffic clears?...

I agree about turning the flashers off, then the blinkers on. I also agree with owning the road that you're on.

It amazes me how butthole-ish people are. I drive a lot and "make time" plenty, pass plenty, and all that, but it can be done reasonably and safely. I've been flipped off for passing someone on the expressway and merging in front of them. I'm not a city driver either, so it wasn't a tight merge. Literally couldn't figure it out. I had to laugh.

Part of me sure says "run the SOBs over", but that won't work either. =)

Good luck.

 

[RandyT]

Seems that drivers everywhere are pretty much the same in their reckless, impatient driving habits. I added a rearview mirror to allow me to keep an eye on traffic approaching from the rear. That at least let me monitor what people were doing much better than turning my head every couple of seconds.

The flasher/turn signal thing does seem to be confusing for drivers. One thing I've tried that seems to help is to reduce speed a bit when activating the turn signal. That forces someone who is following to also slow down and often seems to break their "target fixation" on passing you just enough they will notice the turn signal, the fact you are edging to the left and maybe using your arm to signal a turn. But that only works "most of the time". There are some drivers who are so oblivious to the situation, their behavior is nothing short of erratic.

I kind of like the idea of a really large, bright LED-type turn signal... something like what's used on schoolbuses, for example, that isn't using the same light unit as the 4-way flashers.

Undecided whether an escort vehicle helps or makes it worse. I've had both experiences.

It's also largely undpredictable just which drivers and vehicles are going to be cautious and which will be reckless. Big rig operators mostly tend to be cautious, soccer moms on cellphones, not so much, young dudes in pickups are usually in a hurry, as are workmen on the clock, but don't ever take for granted you've figured out what someone is going to do!

I am one of those impatient driver that will blow your doors off, but I refuse to pass anybody or anything at a driveway or intersection, just because you don't know the intentions of the person being passed.

The other thing too is most younger people don't know what the hand signals are. They are not taught any more in most drivers ed classes.