signaling in rotaries

[cos]

I want to start a trend.

Several years ago I heard that in some places in Europe, people signal in rotaries - err, "traffic circles", for readers outside of New England. When they're in the rotary going around, they signal pointing into the circle. When they pass the last exit before the one they want to take - IOW, when they plan to take the next exit out of the rotary - they signal out from the circle. That way, people know which cars are trying to go around and which cars are trying to get out where.

As soon as I heard it, I thought it made a lot of sense, and started doing it. I hope that if people see me, some of them might like the idea and start doing the same thing. I've been signaling in rotaries for a few years, and I have no idea if anyone else has been swayed. I don't recall seeing any other cars doing it. But maybe if they saw it happen more often, if more of us did it, it might catch on.

Anyone wanna try?

Comments

[huaman.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure actually using a turn signal in MA is wise to begin with, though. For one thing, it would mean that other drivers would know where you *think* you're going, and be able to maneuver to intercept you, and whatnot. It would be the equivalent of telegraphing your upcoming punch in a sparring match.

[cos]

You have a point, but it's more for other people's benefit that I like to signal.

Also, I think a lot of Boston drivers aren't actually out to prevent other people from getting somewhere first, despite the stereotype - what they're actually aggressive about is promoting traffic flow, and quickly getting around obstacles to that traffic flow if someone else doesn't do the right thing quickly. If they see someone hesitate they may easily decide that person is an obstacle and try to pass, but if they see someone slow and signal, they may get the (correct) impression that the person is about to turn and allowing that will let them get where they're going faster than not allowing it.