International “Use Your Turn Signal” Signal

International “Use Your Turn Signal” Signal

There is a need for a way for drivers to draw attention to those who, through their failure to use their turn signal when driving, make the road a more dangerous and more stressful place. The current signal (a glaring angry look) appears not to serve as an effective means of communicating the point clearly, as it is easily confused with the very similar international gesture for “hang up and drive”.

I suggest that we begin to use a swift up and down motion on the turn signal control in the car, resulting in alternating blinks of one’s signal lights, as the signal to those ahead of or behind us that they are neglecting to use their turn signal appropriately.

For “hang up and drive” a more effective signal is also needed. The best I’ve been able to come up with so far is this:

When you spot someone sitting longer than necessary at a stop sign or doing something else inappropriate because they are driving while on the phone, firmly place your hand on the horn and press hard. When they hang up the phone, remove your hand. If this symbol has the potential to be confused with others, perhaps at the very least they will hang up as they try to figure out why you are honking!


Browse Our Archives