Why are UK drivers advised not to signal if they think it is unneccessary?

Question

I've been driving cars, motorbikes and bicycles since 1967.

I was taught to always signal before changing direction.

I'm appalled at the current lack of signalling by UK drivers. I cycle to work and when negotiating roundabouts must take my life in my hands because most cars make no signals when leaving the roundabout.

It's all very well to say; if there are no cars following don't signal but what about pedestrians, people pulling out of their drives, cyclists etc?

Answer 1

Surely they are breaking the Highway Code if not the law by not signalling?

Answer 2

A signal is to 'warn or inform' other road users of your presence or intention'. If you're paying attention, and look, you will know if there are any other road users about, and can then decide whether or not a signal is necessary. The key word here is LOOK!

In towns I'd say a signal is pretty much always necessary when turning a corner, but for every driver who doesn't bother their @rse doing that, there's another who signals right to join a motorway or dual carriageway from a slip road.

"HELLO", where else can you go from there?

Answer 3

In answer to your question, drivers are NOT taught not to signal.

They are taught to signal at EVERY junction, EVERY roundabout - and at other times only if there is someone to benefit. Signals are used for the benefit of other road users - if there aren't any around then don't signal (other than at junctions and roundabouts).

Answer 4

The modern world my friend!

To put things in perspective, when I drive in the UK, I find it a dream compared to driving in my local area (around Melbourne, Australia).  It is all a matter of perspective I suppose.

You are right though, the old courtesies are being allowed to die out and this does allow poor behaviour to come in to the point where it eventually becomes the norm.

Answer 5

I would have to disagree with the ADI's who have answered here.

It is down to semantics.  I trained as an ADI, but very quickly let my licence lapse, as I strongly disagreed with may of the teaching methods I was expected to use.

One of these was the concept that, "You should only signal if it is necessary to do so".  This isn't the same as being told NOT to signal.

Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, many people take the "...necessary to do so..." part too far, and deem signalling unnecessary most of the time.  After all, they can decide when it is necessary to signal, because that is what they have been taught, isn't it?

I agree with the questioner - I was taught to signal whenever you make a manoeuvre, regardless of whether it is necessary or not.  Just to err on the side of safety...

Answer 6

no one is advised like that. do you signal when your on your bike, you do know the rules of the road apply to bike riders don't you<

Answer 7

you dont actually have to physically move the indicator stick up or down in new cars, just tap it...bugs me when people don't bother. Or do it when they realize they made a mistake!  

Answer 8

i dont understand why anyone would be told that. it isnt just the cars following that need to know where you are going.

Answer 9

I agree - it really bugs me when I'm in a car with someone and they dont indicate.  I always do it out of habit and its not too hard to move the indicator stick up or down.  Just comes naturally to me - even when I'm on a deserted road.  I'm with you on this one !

Answer 10

bECAUSE THE ACTION CAN BE MISCONCEIVED BY OTHER PEOPLE AS WE ARE NOT PSYCHIC. sOZ ABOUT THE CAPS, CAN'T BE SRSED CHANGING THEM.

Answer 11

     The instruction can easily be misunderstood.

     Think about the purpose of the signal: it is to inform other road users of your intentions. If there is no road user who would benefit from your signal then it is pointless signalling.

     Here's the rub: Drivers are not taught how to correctly apply this ruling hence the slapdash attitude to signalling.

Answer 12

Who told you that "UK drivers are advised not to signal if they think it is unnecessary"??

I wasn't taught that in my driving lessons, and I don't teach that to my pupils!

The only time i DO say they don't have to signal, is when moving off or stopping and there is NO ONE around to benefit from it, whether it be cars, bikes, cyclists or pedestrians.

Now I DO agree with you that it is EXTREMELY annoying that people do not signal when they should do, particularly when you are trying to teach someone to drive.

However, no one ADVISES them not to signal - they just don't do it out of laziness, and ignorance.