Allow them to Change Lanes

Watching my son drive in Seattle was a much different experience than driving in SW Florida. My son proved to me that putting on his turn signal caused any gap in the next lane to dissolve. Amazing!

When changing lanes in Naples or Fort Myers, FL, we put on our turn signal and the gap actually widens. Better drivers make room for the lane-changing car. We need to spread the word across the nation.

I suggest that Seattle drivers go back to driving school and get some driving tips on how to change lanes safely. Closing up gaps is dangerous and forces drivers to hide their intentions and eliminate lane-changing turn signals. Bad idea and not very safe.

When a driver sees the turn signal please back off and let the other driver merge in front. Give that driver enough buffer to get in safely and quickly. Restore your normal following distance and enjoy the feeling you are making the roads safer.

This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.

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.

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.