When Drivers Signal its Communication

               Driver education is a purposeful course which is important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. It is a requirement for a reason and is a significant component to being a knowledgeable and safe driver on the road. In driver education, there are videos and books which are utilized in showing the importance of signaling, parking, turning, and so much more. For some, the course may come off as just a routine protocol for driving school or to simply pass a test for obtaining their driver’s permit or license, however, applying the education is essential for being safe on the road. 

              A major step which can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is an improvement on driver-to-driver communication through signaling. I personally have encountered several occasions both as a driver and passenger, where I’ve witnessed another vehicle choosing to improperly enter the lane I am in, choosing to make turns without indicating direction, or even suddenly pulling over with no warning. All of these examples can cause accidents if safety is not considered. For the few years I have been driving, I noticed for some drivers I meet on the road, it's as if they want you to already assume and know what they plan to do. I realize every day I drive how dangerous it can become if you’re not cautious. Signaling is not an optional tool placed by car manufacturers for the fun of it, it is essential in communicating to other drivers. When someone drives behind another driver, they have to be aware if they decide they would turn left or right, change lanes, or to observe warnings for what is ahead and to decrease speed or be ready to brake. Typically, on the highway and local roads, with the speed limits observed, signaling of lane changes can prevent accidents from sudden over takings or random vehicles from speeding into lanes without warning. If the driver already in their lane is unaware of an incoming vehicle regardless of the lane they are in, they may not have the ability to slow down to make way for the other driver. In other instances, if the traffic is heading straight and a driver ahead does not signal, they plan to exit or turn, then decides to so abruptly and suddenly it can contribute to pile-ups. Communicating properly and in a timely fashion can prevent these occurrences. It is imperative for all drivers both new and experienced who may not communicate well to begin to personally retrain themselves to make this a habit. Signaling is not reserved for only on highways, it is just as important on local roads for the safety of pedestrians also. Therefore, ensuring you toggle and flip the turn signal when appropriate, will protect yourself as well as other drivers on the road. 

                   I have seen some friends who drive reckless, which makes them inconsiderate of not only themselves, but the passengers in their vehicle also. There have been instances of over speeding and losing control as well as, not indicating their next turns or lane changes, and trying to quickly speed over another driver. Although not all actions result in road rage, it can however, increase the anxiety of another driver, when they are caught unaware by the driver’s reckless behavior on the road. 

                  I personally take steps to being a better and safer driver, by ensuring I am signaling when appropriate at all times. Also, keeping this as habit even in the community I live in when no other drivers are around when I am entering, parking, or exiting allows it to be second nature on the local roads and highways. When the action of signaling is not put into practice frequently, because a driver may feel they are ‘experienced’ this is where careless and reckless driving occurs, and can eventually lead to accidents and unnecessary casualties. Another step I take to being a better and safer driver, is by pausing an additional 2 seconds before proceeding onwards when the traffic light turns green, especially when I am the first vehicle in front. I have noticed instances where if myself or another driver I am behind decides to quickly proceed once a light turns green on any intersection, there is usually a vehicle on the alternate side who assumed they can speed pass the yellow light which had then turned red. These certain incidents can also contribute to major accidents. Since I have included this action, I have observed just how frequent many drivers assume they can beat a traffic light. But I always ask myself, is it really worth risking your life to beat a light?