The Failure to Use Turn Signals Can Be Deadly

Turn signals are not always on the minds of today’s drivers, but a recent study suggests that they should be. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently researched driving practices and found that motorists miss making turn signals about 25 percent of the time. This results in two billion signal failures daily.

This problem cannot be ignored. The SAE study further reported that annually, about two million accidents are the result of a missed turn signal. The common occurrence proves more hazardous than distracted driving, which is connected to 950,000 auto accidents annually.

With the amount of missed signals taking place, motorist safety is essential. A few simple safety precautions can prevent an unwanted accident from occurring. Several of these precautions include

• Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
• Make sure a turn signal is turned off after changing lanes
• Being aware of cars quickly approaching from behind and
• Avoiding distractions, especially in heavy traffic

As careful as one may be on the road, accidents still happen. Alerting others with a turn signal is a duty that each person has while driving on the road. Failing to do so is a negligent act and places others at risk.

When an accident results due to a missed turned signal, or another negligent act, the injured person is not without remedy. Legal aid can provide an opportunity to right the wrong resulting from another’s negligence. Damages may be awarded to help the injured party become whole again.

The truth behind missing a turn signal is not pleasant, but being aware of the risks, taking precautions and knowing where to turn in the event of an accident makes the burden of the truth much more manageable.

Source: Bottom Line on MSNBC.com, “Turn signal neglect a real danger, study shows,” Paul A Eisenstein.