Fuel for Thought

Intentions

Good intentions are not enough, you still have to follow through. While many take it for granted, when it comes to maneuvering our highways, surface streets and even parking lots, letting others know of your intentions can be crucial.

Yes, it has been said many times, but, I'll say it again because it bears repeating.

Use Your Turn Signals People !

And a half a blink to change lanes is Not enough.

Are you really that busy doing other things while you drive that you just can't seem to find a second of your time to use a turn signal ? Or are you just that lazy or inconsiderate? If you do use your turn signals, is it too much effort to turn them off when your maneuver is completed? Driving with a turn signal on after you have completed the turn or lane change can cause just as many problems.

Turn signals are not there as an option, they are for letting your fellow drivers know of your intentions. They are a safety feature and are there to be used properly. Many fatal accidents can be avoided with proper use of turn signals.

Headlights are another safety feature. While most know they are for seeing during night driving, you should also use your headlights during inclement weather. Fog, rain or snow will reduce visibility and turning your headlights on will help others see you. Just because you can see, does not mean other drivers can see you. Newer vehicles can have automatic headlights that will turn on when the vehicle deems it necessary, but remember, YOU are the operator of the vehicle and YOU might need to turn on the lights manually when conditions warrant it. I know, what an archaic thought, that YOU (the operator of said vehicle) have to do a menial manual task to alert fellow drivers of your presence.

Using your 4 way flashers in a commercial vehicle when backing used to be commonplace. In recent years, more and more commercial vehicles are pulling into parking spots, especially since services such as Idle Air have become more widely available. Whether you are backing in or backing out, the use of 4 way emergency flashers warns others of your intentions to back up. Too often nowadays, drivers will just start backing without warning, and when two drivers try it at the same time, it can create a sticky situation.

These features are included at on all vehicles and are there to be used.

Let's all try to make it safer out on the roads and in parking lots. Turn on your headlights so you can be seen by other drivers and give everyone around you a second of your time by letting your intentions be known by using your turn signals. And using your 4 way flashers will warn others that you intend to back up.

See you down the road (hopefully using proper signals),

Greg

Hell isn't merely paved with good intentions; it's walled and roofed with them. Yes, and furnished too.

- Aldous Huxley