Importance of Turn Signals
Did you use your turn signals the last time you drove on Highway 140 or another road in Georgia? Did you witness another driver fail to use her blinkers before making a turn? Or maybe you noticed a driver who never turned his signals off. Some people drive for miles with their turn signals on because they forgot about them, and many drivers never use them at all. So, it’s not surprising that improper use and failing to use turn signals is a cause of motorcycle accidents.
According to a recent report by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the lack of turn signal use among motorists throughout this nation has led to approximately 2 million accidents annually. This, in fact, was the first report that analyzed the use of turn signals. Although it’s no surprise that many drivers fail to use their blinkers, it is surprising to learn that failing to use turn signals has surpassed the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers.
The report findings include the following:
- Drivers do not use their turn signals about 50% of the time they change lanes.
- Drivers fail to turn their signals off about 48% of the time.
- Drivers neglect to use their turn signals when turning approximately 25% of the time.
- Drivers do not use their turn signals approximately 2 billion times on a given day.
- Drivers fail to use their turn signals about 750 billion times each year.
Turn Signal Mishaps Cause Motorcycle Crashes
Whether a driver is lazy, forgetful, distracted, improperly trained, or just plain negligent, the law requires drivers of all motor vehicles to use their turn signals to indicate lane changes and turns. It is not optional. This law is a common sense rule that all motorists need to abide by so fewer car and motorcycle crashes in Georgia and in this nation occur.
The use of turn signals is simple but effective. When drivers signal their intentions, it communicates with other motorists around them. This action is extremely effective in preventing motorcycle accidents, as well as other car crashes.
However, there is a serious problem in this nation, as failing to use signals or improper use of signals has been linked to twice as many accidents as distracted driving accidents. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle wreck because another driver failed to use his turn signals before changing lanes, you are entitled to hold that driver accountable for your injuries and expenses.
Contact Kalka & Baer LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation and speak with an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer at (404) 907-1594 today.
