Three ways to avoid the "stuck signal"

Dave asked me to address this important issue:

I drive in South Florida and see many cars with the turn signal "stuck on" long after the driver makes a turn. Everyone knows the signal is on except the driver of the car. Like having something stuck between your teeth. Embarrassing. Also, dangerous if others ignore the stuck signal then you decide to turn! This happened to a motorcyclist and had a very bad outcome.

One can use three simple methods to make certain the turn signal turns off:

1. Listen for the "click." Every turn signal makes a click when it automatically turns off. No need to take your eyes from the road, just listen.

2. Glance at the dash after a turn to see if the signal is still on. You should be looking after a turn to see if you are at the correct speed. Look for the signal.

3. Make sure your next vehicle has an audible alert if the signal stays on too long. This option is becoming very popular, along with other advanced safety features like rearview video cameras and backup sensors.

Has anyone been taught how to get a driver's attention if their signal is stuck on? Get in front of the driver and alternate using your left turn signal, then right turn signal, then left... My father taught this to me many years ago and it seemed to work in Pennsylvania. Maybe the rest of the country never got the memo.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask otherwise good drivers who leave on the signal to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com

This is Rob G, asking YOU to Drive Like Me.

What out for Bicycles!

When a stoplight changes to green, I always wait just a second to make certain no red-light runners are speeding to a crash. Today that red-light runner was a very foolish bicyclist who had to swerve 20 feet to avoid being flattened by a green-light jumper. Three different cars had to stop to let the bicyclist pass.

This is not to say that all bicyclists are maniacs and deserve to be hit. Quite the opposite. Most bicyclists realize the danger they face each time they ride in and around motor vehicles. Any contact means the bicyclist loses.

So stay extra vigilant for cyclists who are conserving natural resourses and staying healthy. There are many cities that welcome and promote cycling as an excellent alternative to automobile travel. As the saying goes, give them a "brake."


Everyone can use a refresher. Ask green-light jumpers and cyclists to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com.

This is Rob G, asking YOU to Drive Like Me.

Stay out of the Blind Spot

I saw an SUV nearly tip over on I-75 when the driver started to change lanes right into a car in the next lane. The SUV let the other car ride in the blind spot on the passenger side. The cars were riding side-by-side, even though the traffic was light and one could easily have changed speeds to move the vehicles apart. Another few inches and the crash would have thrown at least on vehicle off the road at 70 mph.

One must be aware of other vehicles and maintain a safe buffer from other cars. This is especially easy in light traffic. If another vehicle is riding next to you, change speeds so you are not side-by-side. That will minimize the chance that you will forget about the car and cause a high-speed crash.

Ask side-by-side drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com. This website can help anyone who takes the time to update his or her skills.

This is Rob G, asking YOU to Drive Like Me.