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.

How to Avoid Bad Drivers

The Florida driver in the small BMW probably had good reason for distration when he made the turn in front of a large oncoming vehicle. The driver may have had a stressful day. Maybe he was late for an appointment. Maybe the appointment could have changed his life. It is okay to mentally prepare for those other things while you drive. Right?

WRONG! When you are driving PLEASE pay attention to driving safety. If you are having a stressful day, pull over and take some deep breaths. Don't drive with a cluttered mind because you will have a serious crash (as if there is a funny auto crash??). It is just a matter of time.

A writer for the Naples News wrote that leaving 15 minutes early seems to make all of the other drivers a lot less aggrevating. This really works!

So imaging all of the bad drivers will be driving when you normally depart. Leave 15 minutes early to avoid those crazies

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask your parents to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com

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

Turn signals before brakes!

When do we signal our intent to turn? Here are some common thoughts:
-Some people say 100 feet before the turn
-Others say 200 feet before the turn
-Still others have ideas too confusing to clearly write

I say keep it simple. Signal before you begin to decelerate. This gives the drivers behind you plenty of warning so they can increase their following distance and keep you safe.

It is really that simple.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask other drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com

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

Seven Secrets to Avoid a Traffic Citation

Driver safety is my passion. The police monitor the roads to make certain the highways are safe. To avoid a traffic ticket, here are seven pointers that will help:

1. Do a safety check on the vehicle before driving. Police are attracted to cars with defects. Make certain the headlights and tail lights work. Check the brake lights.
2. Drive close to the speed limit
3. Keep a consistent speed- varying speeds draws attention as this indicates a distracted driver, or worse.
4. Use your turn signals to turn and lane-changing signals to change lanes.
5. Always use your headlights, day or night
6. Dim your headlights to oncoming traffic.
7. Wave as you pass an oncoming patrol car. This may make the officer think you know them. Certainly, it shows you are paying attention.

Don't give the officer reason to pull you over. Remember to always drive like there is a police car following you. This is when almost everyone drives their best.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask other drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com

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