things kevin hates

I could have a whole blog about how much I hate clueless drivers, but for today I’ll limit myself to one thing: not using turn signals! I can’t stand those morons who steadfastly refuse to use their turn signals. It’s stupid, it’s dangerous, and it pisses me off.

The other day I was driving on a four-lane road when a woman swerved in front of me. Not only was it a dangerous move—there was a lot of traffic and she didn’t have much space to pull it off—she couldn’t be bothered to use her turn signal. And just in case I was thinking about giving her a break this one time, ten seconds later she swerved back into her original lane, again without using a turn signal, and again, despite the fact that there was a ton of traffic. If you’re going to drive like a maniac and race through traffic, at least have the decency to use a turn signal so that I know to get out the way.

I also frequently see people driving on a four-lane road, wanting to make a right or left turn, and not signaling at all, or waiting until they’re slamming on the brakes to put on their blinker. I’d very much like to know that you’re going to turn so that I can switch lanes and not have to slow down, but if you don’t give me that option, I’ll be very upset. And please give some warning; no one likes those people who drive around with their blinkers on all the time, but a five second warning is nice.

I realize this is probably just preaching to the choir since most of the people smart enough to read are smart enough to use their turn signals, but this is a message that needs repeating. I see speed traps all the time; why not have turn signal traps? Fine the morons often enough and they should get the message. Apparently cops do watch out for this sort of thing. Sometimes. Right after I wrote the first draft of this post, I see that one of my facebook friends (who shall remain nameless, but I have a link to her blog in my blogroll) was complaining about a ticket she got for not using her turn signal at 11 p.m. with no one around. No one except for the cop, apparently. I admit it sucks because I believe her when she says there was no one around, but I suggest that everyone use this as a warning, and as evidence that people can actually get ticketed for this, despite what this article from the (satirical) New Orleans Levee says.

I know it takes a lot of effort to use that little tiny lever that’s two inches away from your hand on the steering wheel, but for the love of everyone’s safety and sanity, use your damn turn signal!