Indicators and lane changes

[slofox]

Once upon a time, I used to believe that if you wanted to change lanes, you signalled ahead of time and then proceeded to change lanes. The object of the exercise being to use the indicators to let other road users know that you intend to change lanes.

Seems I was wrong.

These days, according to my observations over many miles on motorways, the correct way to do this is as follows:

Start to change lanes. When are straddling the lane line, turn on the indicator. Usually for one or two blinks only. This way, following road users will see your lane change and then prepare to deal with an indicator coming on. Which is way more dangerous than a lane change, eh! :facepalm:

[Ulsterkiwi]

actually there are a fair few road users who use the indicator to let you know they already changed lanes, just in case you missed it, sort of a "hey look what I just did!" kind of thing.

Hang on though, before long there will be series of posts to tell you (and me probably) we are softcocks for expecting more. Nothing like a bit of transferred frustration for those chappies :innocent:

[eldog]

Once upon a time, I used to believe that if you wanted to change lanes, you signalled ahead of time and then proceeded to change lanes. The object of the exercise being to use the indicators to let other road users know that you intend to change lanes.

Seems I was wrong.

These days, according to my observations over many miles on motorways, the correct way to do this is as follows:

Start to change lanes. When are straddling the lane line, turn on the indicator. Usually for one or two blinks only. This way, following road users will see your lane change and then prepare to deal with an indicator coming on. Which is way more dangerous than a lane change, eh! :facepalm:

i thought that way too, I actually use your original method too. Being slow means that I try and find a place to indicate and pull over to let those poor buggers behind pass. Sometimes I get an acknowledgement most often not.

I have noticed that most new vehicle models have indicators for SHOW, esp SUVs.

Has anyone noticed the new indicators with the white lenses are hard to see.

Indicating means acknowledging there are other users on the road too.

Theres also the overtaking cut back, cutting people off after overtaking is also becoming a bad habit again. Its like 'see i am better than you I can show you how powerful I am, so stuff you'
(i toned down the words i would normally use)

Drivers from more rural towns tend to be more forgiving for mistakes I make.

[slofox]

Theres also the overtaking cut back, cutting people off after overtaking is also becoming a bad habit again.

That's No 2 rant from me...

Two second rule? My arse. I'm the only person on the planet who takes notice of that. And yes, the overtakers seem to think it's fine to cut in about 0.2 nanoseconds ahead of whatever they pass.

Mind you, it means I get to use the Stebel superhorn a lot! :devil2:

[eldog]

That's No 2 rant from me...

Two second rule? My arse. I'm the only person on the planet who takes notice of that. And yes, the overtakers seem to think it's fine to cut in about 0.2 nanoseconds ahead of whatever they pass.

Mind you, it means I get to use the Stebel superhorn a lot! :devil2:

I even know of group mbike rides where the overtaking bike brakes as they finish the overtaking manoeuvre. So you goto be careful to check if you are following. (I dont ride with this group and my bike has barely enough to overtake anyway)

youve reminded me to refit the stebel:yes:, thats the next project.

[slofox]

I even know of group mbike rides where the overtaking bike brakes as they finish the overtaking manoeuvre. So you goto be careful to check if you are following. (I dont ride with this group)

youve reminded me to refit the stebel:yes:, thats the next project.

I never brake after overtaking. If I've had to accelerate to 180 to get past, I just shut off the throttle and wait until the speed drops off...No sense in wasting momentum y'know. :whistle:

Oh and in case anyone is wondering, I only get up to that speed if there are three cars at 80km, following each other at 0.2 nanosecond intervals. As happened today as a matter of fact. :yes:

[eldog]

I never brake after overtaking. If I've had to accelerate to 180 to get past, I just shut off the throttle and wait until the speed drops off...No sense in wasting momentum y'know. :whistle:

Oh and in case anyone is wondering, I only get up to that speed if there are three cars at 80km, following each other at 0.2 nanosecond intervals. As happened today as a matter of fact. :yes:

Hahahaha, the only time i get to 180 is when i weigh the bike with me on it & full of fuel.
its the only time i get to more than 100 too.

100 is a limit for the bike, which i am quite happy with at present. Unless its downhill and the wind is behind. :facepalm: My ability (lack) limits who i ride with.

[SVboy]

Hi slowfox. Got to ride your Raglan road for the first time today. Nice, if a little busy.

[Moi]

Guys, how foolish of us all!

I was taught that an indicator was to show your intention to change lanes / turn when it was safe to do so, especially after checking mirrors and shoulder check... I now realise that I was mis-taught and have wasted so many indicator flashes and mirror checks over the years. Silly me!

Add to your list: tail gaters...

[Voltaire]

I never brake after overtaking. If I've had to accelerate to 180 to get past, I just shut off the throttle and wait until the speed drops off...No sense in wasting momentum y'know. :whistle:

Oh and in case anyone is wondering, I only get up to that speed if there are three cars at 80km, following each other at 0.2 nanosecond intervals. As happened today as a matter of fact. :yes:

Oh no....your doing it wrong. As the overtaking lane starts you pull out and by doing 1-4 kmph faster than the vehicle your overtaking you get past just as the overtaking lane ends.
If you plan it well no other vehicles get past. :innocent:
For best results a truck or SUV with a trailer ( its a myth they can only do 90, I've seen container trucks on the outside lane on the motorway):laugh:

[slofox]

Hi slowfox. Got to ride your Raglan road for the first time today. Nice, if a little busy.

'tis best ridden early or midday on a week day. I avoided it today for said traffic reasons.

[slofox]

Oh no....your doing it wrong. As the overtaking lane starts you pull out and by doing 1-4 kmph faster than the vehicle your overtaking you get past just as the overtaking lane ends.
If you plan it well no other vehicles get past. :innocent:
For best results a truck or SUV with a trailer ( its a myth they can only do 90, I've seen container trucks on the outside lane on the motorway):laugh:

I blame this on the advent of cruise control. Everybody so sooooo scared of going over the limit, that they stick with the fucking cruise control and attain the results you so accurately describe.

Personally, all bullshit aside, I hate to be on the wrong side of the road. So I do crack it past and get back to my side of the road and a sensible (whatever that is) speed ASAP. No apologies for busting the limit for a couple seconds whilst so doing. Seems to have worked for me for the last 46 years or so.

[R650R]

Probably truck drivers. When your on the big gear at night passing a colleague the last thing he needs is a great big set of Hella LEDs strobing his night vision five seconds before you pull back in.
Most just a give a one flick thank you as pulling in or after. My signature flick was a LRLR flick after passing.
On the bike I'll often do the same after a friendly handwave.
And in Auckland you never wanna give away intel to a lane hog that your trying to get across, just do it :)

[PrincessBandit]

It's much more fun trying to guess what other road users are going to do! Just like it's much more fun waiting at an intersection to give way to someone only to find you didn't have to as they were turning.


NOT

Masturbators. (Since it would be unseemly for me to use the "w" word)

[Jantar]

I have also noticed some strange habits regarding indicators and giving way, partularly at roundabouts in Hamilton.

Here are a few that I noticed quite regularly.

1. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout in the left lane, indicating a left turn, then gives way to vehicles in the right hand lane of the roundabout who are either turning right or going straight ahead
2. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout in the left lane, indicating a left turn, then goes straight through (even saw a bus do this one).
3. Vehicle approaches a roundabout, indicating a right hand turn, but after passing a single exit, indicates left and leaves the roundabout effectively going straight ahead.
4. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout, in the right lane, indicating a right hand turn, but as soon as the turn is completed swings into the left lane without even indicating that they are leaving the roundabout, let alone changing lanes as well.
5. My favourite, but this one is legal. A vehicle (4 wheels so not a motorbike) lane splits on approach to a two lane roundabout, that would normally be a T intersection so 3 roads joining, then indicates right and pulls into the right hand lane. Once in the roundabout, goes all the way around 270 degrees and indicates left to correctly exit in the same direction as the 50 vehicles still waiting to turn left. Probably 40 of those 50 vehicles are guilty of observation 1. :blink:

[eldog]

I blame this on the advent of cruise control. Everybody so sooooo scared of going over the limit, that they stick with the fucking cruise control and attain the results you so accurately describe.

Personally, all bullshit aside, I hate to be on the wrong side of the road. So I do crack it past and get back to my side of the road and a sensible (whatever that is) speed ASAP. No apologies for busting the limit for a couple seconds whilst so doing. Seems to have worked for me for the last 46 years or so.

apart from the obvious-lack of space/visibility etc, I agree with sensible overtaking speed, got no problems with that. Yes I have seen the crawl past and the frustration that occurs after (indicators not necessary the ones on the front and rear of the vehicle.

If I cant keep a decent speed on the bike, car or truck I try and make it easy for following drivers to see and use opportunities to pass.

I think sensible overtaking speed for the manouevre is OK, busting the limit may be required.
Its just explaining that to the blue team that may be a hassle. (they used to more reasonable, now with so many aholes about they just hammer everyone and yes a good attitude does help)

[TheDemonLord]

3. Vehicle approaches a roundabout, indicating a right hand turn, but after passing a single exit, indicates left and leaves the roundabout effectively going straight ahead.


I am sure that this was either in the NZ road code at one point or is a rule in the UK (you indicate onto the roundabout, then indicate off of it)

[slofox]

I have also noticed some strange habits regarding indicators and giving way, partularly at roundabouts in Hamilton.

Here are a few that I noticed quite regularly.

1. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout in the left lane, indicating a left turn, then gives way to vehicles in the right hand lane of the roundabout who are either turning right or going straight ahead
2. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout in the left lane, indicating a left turn, then goes straight through (even saw a bus do this one).
3. Vehicle approaches a roundabout, indicating a right hand turn, but after passing a single exit, indicates left and leaves the roundabout effectively going straight ahead.
4. Vehicle approaches a two lane roundabout, in the right lane, indicating a right hand turn, but as soon as the turn is completed swings into the left lane without even indicating that they are leaving the roundabout, let alone changing lanes as well.
5. My favourite, but this one is legal. A vehicle (4 wheels so not a motorbike) lane splits on approach to a two lane roundabout, that would normally be a T intersection so 3 roads joining, then indicates right and pulls into the right hand lane. Once in the roundabout, goes all the way around 270 degrees and indicates left to correctly exit in the same direction as the 50 vehicles still waiting to turn left. Probably 40 of those 50 vehicles are guilty of observation 1. :blink:

Re 1 above:

The vehicles you mention in the right hand lane are likely to go anywhere in any roundabout at any time. Hence the caution of waiting until the buggers have gone.

Te Tron should be called Roundabout City since there are so many of them. Pity so few know how to use them correctly. And, as you so rightly observe, know how to use indicators at roundabouts.

Incidentally, indicator use at roundabouts was to be No. 3 in my rant series...which I don't have to post now since you have so capably described it for me. :niceone:

[Jantar]

I am sure that this was either in the NZ road code at one point or is a rule in the UK (you indicate onto the roundabout, then indicate off of it)
I don't recall this ever being in the New Zealand Road Code, but I believe you may be correct about it being normal in Europe.

[eldog]

Jantar, you will see bigger trucks esp with trailers covering both lanes, some just dont have the turning capacity for the intersection - I was a passenger in my first one as a passenger getting instruction, thought WTF we are in the right hand lane turning left (2 laned road) All became obvious during the turn.

I tend to give way to all oncoming vehicles in AKL because you cant tell what they will do as the approach. I try and indicate immediately after the exit PRIOR to the one I want to use to give others as much a chance. Theres a few roundabouts up here with 2 lanes that make oncoming vehicles appear to be turning left even though they are going straight, had a few near misses with that one :sweatdrop

[quickbuck]

Most just a give a one flick thank you as pulling in or after. My signature flick was a LRLR flick after passing.
On the bike I'll often do the same after a friendly handwave.

Oh, that was you?

I thought it was just somebody who couldn't find the middle position of their indicators...... ;)

[Maha]

Personally, all bullshit aside, I hate to be on the wrong side of the road. So I do crack it past and get back to my side of the road and a sensible (whatever that is) speed ASAP. No apologies for busting the limit for a couple seconds whilst so doing. Seems to have worked for me for the last 46 years or so.

Agree, use the quick acceleration of your bike to get past, job done, bikes can pass quicker and in less space than any other vehicle. Always be aware of side roads/farm drive ways etc, when looking to be on the other side of the road at speed, some drivers will try to get out in front of oncoming traffic and that could prove awkward if they end up where you are.
I had this scenario on the Western Access road today with two Milk Tankers travelling together at 80-85kph.

[eldog]

Probably truck drivers. When your on the big gear at night passing a colleague the last thing he needs is a great big set of Hella LEDs strobing his night vision five seconds before you pull back in.
Most just a give a one flick thank you as pulling in or after. My signature flick was a LRLR flick after passing.
On the bike I'll often do the same after a friendly handwave.
And in Auckland you never wanna give away intel to a lane hog that your trying to get across, just do it :)

a while back i was travelling a lot at night and early mornings in the countryside, really appreciated the way truckies indicated possibilities to pass. now days that attitude seems to have changed, pity.....

i guessed most people got confused. they get confused quite easily then switch off.
indicators what are they?

and yes i try to wave or nod my head, to fellow bikers, but that appears to be another thing thats being phased out too. (society is becoming more about moi)

[eldog]

Agree, use the quick acceleration of your bike to get past.

LOL, took me a kilometre+ to pass someone today, must have missed the quick button on the scorpio. Maybe its an option extra, as there no indicator for it that Ive noticed.

[R650R]

a while back i was travelling a lot at night and early mornings in the countryside, really appreciated the way truckies indicated possibilities to pass. now days that attitude seems to have changed, pity.....


The problem is more that people new to NZ don't know about these unwritten coutesys. So what happens is you flick they don't pass, then someone in car comments or they realise your signals meaning... but by then its no longer safe to pass... And then there are the legal ramifications in the day of dashcam of signalling someone to pass and what happens if they stuff it up or the situation changes. Also with modern plasticky vehoicles accidently blips seem more common so who do you trust.... I've been left hanging out to dry by an experienced trucker once who accidently blipped his indicator... it would have been a safe pass if intentional and he backed off the power like you do... lucky for both of us nothing was coming.
My last self approved method when on linehaul was to pull left of the fog line about a foot or so, indicate left and scrub off ten km/h.

Never ever 100% trust someones elses signals, I know of a colleague signalled to pass via CB/voice communication by a truck ahead on the Tirau-Rotorua rd, once committed he got the word shit someones coming and it was too late. Lucky the worst of it was him losing his job and a $150 fine and one very frightened nurse driving home from night shift.

[Maha]

LOL, took me a kilometre+ to pass someone today, must have missed the quick button on the scorpio. Maybe its an option extra, as there no indicator for it that Ive noticed.

I see the dilemma, the mighty GN had the same 'I think I can' mentality also. Your 1250 however....WOW!

[eldog]

linehaul was to pull left of the fog line about a foot or so, indicate left and scrub off ten km/hr

Never ever 100% trust someones elses signals

I do the pull over and slow down trick, sometimes I have to stop when on the bike. Rather have them in front than monstering me from behind. Let them become someone else problem I dont need the stress. Use indicators and brake lights usually does the trick, although some people are slow......

being on a lesser powerful bike, you appreciate how defenseless/helpless you really are. You got to think smarter and take action to preserve you OWN neck.

Got a bit complacient a while back about indicators...... no damage but I am just a bit more careful. Guy coming from my right, looks at corner, indicates slows down to corner then just continues on.... OMG:innocent:

[eldog]

I see the dilemma, the mighty GN had the same 'I think I can' mentality also. Your 1250 however....WOW!

1250 a bridge too far I fear.....

[caseye]

Without looking it up,here in NZ. I'm pretty sure that anyone who indicates ONTO a roundabout is doing it Wrong.IE: It's fucking illegal, to indicate onto a roundabout.
You are supposed to know where you are going and be in the appropriate lane ( of course this presupposes you know what you're doing)on a two laned roundabout.
Then once on the roundabout and in the correct(again presupposing you know what you're doing)lane, you are then supposed to indicate your intention to exit at whichever of the exists is the one you! want.
Could be wrong, don't think so though.
Always use indicators to alert those lerts behind me what I'm up too, makes so much sense to me to have them somewhere else to where I'm going to be.
Use your eyes, ears and smidsey people, this way your roundabout experiences will be fruitful and you WILL get where you're going.

[cs363]

Without looking it up,here in NZ. I'm pretty sure that anyone who indicates ONTO a roundabout is doing it Wrong.IE: It's fucking illegal, to indicate onto a roundabout.
You are supposed to know where you are going and be in the appropriate lane ( of course this presupposes you know what you're doing)on a two laned roundabout.
Then once on the roundabout and in the correct(again presupposing you know what you're doing)lane, you are then supposed to indicate your intention to exit at whichever of the exists is the one you! want.
Could be wrong, don't think so though.
Always use indicators to alert those lerts behind me what I'm up too, makes so much sense to me to have them somewhere else to where I'm going to be.
Use your eyes, ears and smidsey people, this way your roundabout experiences will be fruitful and you WILL get where you're going.

Here's the rules (attached)

[Voltaire]

When approaching a roundabout, make sure you don't slow down in preparation to stop, as the car at the next roundabout entry may take this as an invitation to go.

Also you can be 20 plus metres out from entering and the car on your left that is stationary has to give way to you.

Roundabouts in the UK work because there is a shared feeling of road courtesy that does not exist here, I used to ride around London no issues, can say I like riding much around

the city here. The phones may be smart, the users less so..:yes:

[mossy1200]

Definition

Indicator = Advertise the lane you now have ownership of after claiming it.

[Swoop]

Indicating?
The most common problem is people who leave their indicator on, whilst still in their garage! They then believe they have performed ALL required indimicating for their entire journey and no longer require the use of that device in their vehicle.

Occasionally you will see someone who forgot to get all the indimicating done at home, and therefore need to do it while driving along a straight piece of road where no chances of making a turn are possible.

[caspernz]

Indicating is optional in this country, that's why most drivers have a crystal ball don't they?

I find it especially helpful when someone drives with their rear fog light on when there is no need for it...it makes my internal monologue more colourful :bash:

[eldog]

Was on a multi laned highway 100 k and was being passed by another cager, as he passed he turned hard right into the concrete median barrier, and no he didnt indicate.(no slowing down or anything) There obviously no reason to, no sane person would have turned right then. Poor bugger......

I love the indications drivers get from their LOVED ONES when they make an obvious mistake. make WTF and OMG look like a wet bus ticket.....

The only thing now is that I have to remember to turn off the indicators and double check them.:facepalm:

[Berries]

Roundabouts in the UK work because there is a shared feeling of road courtesy that does not exist here.
That, and the term mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Here it is mirror, signal, signal, signal, mirror, signal, signal, mirror, oh look here comes a gap, manoeuvre. Just an indication (pardon the pun) of the piss poor thought processes behind your average NZ driving skills. If you are parked up at the side of a 100km/h road I am not going to slow down and give you a gap to pull into so stop fucking indicating and just wait for a safe gap.

Twats.

[Gremlin]

Roundabouts: Turning right from the left lane on 2 lane roundabouts... yeup :eek: Other one I saw once, left indicator, right indicator, hazards, straight through the roundabout... hazards were about right!

Today I hit a passing lane in the Hiace on SH5 aiming to pass two vehicles. After the passing lane was fully established, and I'm approaching the rear of the car (I'm in right lane, car in left), it finally wakes up that there is a passing lane, indicates (I should probably compliment them on this), then suddenly realised there was a great big van there and perhaps it wasn't a good idea. Waits a bit longer, then decides to switch off the indicator.

Meanwhile, I'd been planning the overtake (hills suck in a Hiace unless you want to drive foot flat) since the 400m warning, creating a gap, then building momentum and closing right before the lane, before sweeping past. Fortunately I didn't have to brake, but backing off lost some momentum making the overtake longer, but finally got it done... sheesh. Just imagine how the trucks feel...

[awa355]

Definition

Indicator = Advertise the lane you now have ownership of after claiming it.

Geez !! I thought they was for indicating how wide ya bike iz, :brick:

[pzkpfw]

That, and the term mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Here it is mirror, signal, signal, signal, mirror, signal, signal, mirror, oh look here comes a gap, manoeuvre. Just an indication (pardon the pun) of the piss poor thought processes behind your average NZ driving skills. If you are parked up at the side of a 100km/h road I am not going to slow down and give you a gap to pull into so stop fucking indicating and just wait for a safe gap.

Twats.

Your example is extreme (stopped vehicle trying to enter 100 km/h road) but I do think there is a tendency for Kiwi drivers to think "fuck you" to anyone trying to change lanes.

We all need to change lanes now and then *1 and should help each other do it. Instead, so many drivers on the motorway will close up on someone indicating to change. They figure, "let them change lanes behind me".

So that, I think, at least partially, leads to the behaviour of not indicating and instead waiting for a gap to flick into. (Which is why I'm extra careful near gaps in traffic, when on the bike and splitting).



(*1 Except the buggers who flick flick flick all the way in to town going into whatever lane is moving fastest at that moment. They can burn in hell.)

[Fastmark]

Indicating is optional in this country, that's why most drivers have a crystal ball don't they?

I find it especially helpful when someone drives with their rear fog light on when there is no need for it...it makes my internal monologue more colourful :bash:


Ahhh now that one really gets me going, nothing like a bit of arc eye first thing in the morning because some twat is driving with his/her fog lights on, even better when its raining:tugger:

[Moi]

Indicating when using a roundabout isn't rocket science... it's about giving others information about what you wish to do... BUT this is NZ...

[scumdog]

Once upon a time, I used to believe that if you wanted to change lanes, you signalled ahead of time and then proceeded to change lanes. The object of the exercise being to use the indicators to let other road users know that you intend to change lanes.

Seems I was wrong.

These days, according to my observations over many miles on motorways, the correct way to do this is as follows:

Start to change lanes. When are straddling the lane line, turn on the indicator. Usually for one or two blinks only. This way, following road users will see your lane change and then prepare to deal with an indicator coming on. Which is way more dangerous than a lane change, eh! :facepalm:



It's the Kiwi way - right up there with all their other totally inept driving techniques...:wacko:

[MisterD]

Roundabouts in the UK work because there is a shared feeling of road courtesy that does not exist here

By and large. What fucks me off most is (and the Royal Oak roundabout is the poster child for this) the way that most drivers seem to think the the idea of a roundabout is to try to prevent the next person round from entering, or failing that to get close enough to allow you to use your horn and converse via sign language.



, I used to ride around London no issues,

Miss the Hangar Lane Gyratory, I do not.

[scumdog]

Indicating is optional in this country, that's why most drivers have a crystal ball don't they?

I find it especially helpful when someone drives with their rear fog light on when there is no need for it...it makes my internal monologue more colourful :bash:

And while discussing the lack of need to have the glaring rear fog-light on with a motorist I have found out quite a few (a) didn't realise their car even had fog-lights and/or (b) had no idea how to turn them off.:facepalm:

One woman insisted she needed to pull out the light-switch knob on her Jag "Or the headlights no go".
She took some convincing that they WOULD go simply by turning the switch knob.:blink:

[Edbear]

Indicating is optional in this country, that's why most drivers have a crystal ball don't they?

I find it especially helpful when someone drives with their rear fog light on when there is no need for it...it makes my internal monologue more colourful :bash:

Most European cars have one rear fog light which comes on with the front ones. People think the front fog lamps are auxiliary driving lights but have no idea what they are really for so drive with them on because they look cool.

[Flip]

My car has a switch that makes the LED tail lights go extra bright.

Indicating changing lanes. After being cut off many times commuting on the motorways in Chch I dont indicate to change lanes anymore. It's just too dangerous IMHO to let the cunts know what you are doing. I would in Wtn and prob Ak but not down south its just too dangerous.

[caspernz]

And while discussing the lack of need to have the glaring rear fog-light on with a motorist I have found out quite a few (a) didn't realise their car even had fog-lights and/or (b) had no idea how to turn them off.:facepalm:

One woman insisted she needed to pull out the light-switch knob on her Jag "Or the headlights no go".
She took some convincing that they WOULD go simply by turning the switch knob.:blink:

I know it's just my European habits, for in Holland and Germany you'd get stung quick smart by the cops once visibility was beyond 200 metres if I recall correctly, it just really grinds my gears to look at rear foggies for no good reason. Makes you wonder how many folks even read the drivers manual...


Most European cars have one rear fog light which comes on with the front ones. People think the front fog lamps are auxiliary driving lights but have no idea what they are really for so drive with them on because they look cool.

Well I've driven my share of European cars and they've all had quite separate switching functions for front and rear foggies. Most common being, pull headlight rotary switch out once for fronts and repeat for rears.

Still, almost as dumb as driving with your parklights on in the rain I guess? I reckon cars should be fitted with an internal "dumbass" loudspeaker that blares as soon as you release the parking brake with just parklights on...

[cs363]

parklights

Yep, you'd think the name would be enough of a hint.... :facepalm:

[Trouser]

Most European cars have one rear fog light which comes on with the front ones. People think the front fog lamps are auxiliary driving lights but have no idea what they are really for so drive with them on because they look cool.

Every car with a rear fog light has a way of switching it off independantly of the front ones.

[Swoop]

Auckland's traffic was at an all time high this morning. With school holidays happening the flow was much better, which seemed to allow the tin-toppers the ability to frolick freely among the lanes.
I've never seen so much unnecessary swapping back and forth between lanes. Quite bizarre.

Couple that with a weird need to have wheels sitting hard on the white line (sometimes the left sometimes the right...) it was getting close to "taking a different approach to road manners" today.

[awa355]

I have noticed that at night time a lot of front indicators are hard to see when the car is opposite at an intersection. With some indicators built into the headlight unit, the flashing light can be hard to pickup from alongside a bright white headlight beam.

[Moi]

I have noticed that at night time a lot of front indicators are hard to see when the car is opposite at an intersection. With some indicators built into the headlight unit, the flashing light can be hard to pickup from alongside a bright white headlight beam.

Design triumphs over function...

considering past experiences with indicators and either headlights or tail-lights = Ford Falcon's nipple indicator, Chrysler Valiant's indicators under strips of bodywork - it is amazing that the same or similar mistakes are still being made = VW has replicated the nipple-style with the indicator as a ring round the brake-light: almost impossible to see...

[TheDemonLord]

Add to the rant - cars with the STUPID american style indicators

They should be banned.

[swarfie]

Add to the rant - cars with the STUPID american style indicators

They should be banned.

I'll add my :brick:
The modern way it seems is to have all the lights, front and rear, covered with a white lens and use coloured lamps to give the "impression" of brake or indicator lights. Near impossible to see in bright daylight most of the time. How the hell do some of these things get through legislation? :weird: Manufacturers should be made to go back to making indicators orange and brake lights red IMO. OK...rant over :Police:

[MisterD]

Manufacturers should be made to go back to making indicators orange and brake lights red IMO. OK...rant over :Police:

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/53166/cortina_mk1.jpg

[Moi]

Add to the rant - cars with the STUPID american style indicators

They should be banned.

Which are you thinking of?

[BMWST?]

Most European cars have one rear fog light which comes on with the front ones. People think the front fog lamps are auxiliary driving lights but have no idea what they are really for so drive with them on because they look cool.

not true.All euro cars i have owned have had completely seperate front and rear fog light switching.Not only that all have also had warning lamps for front and rear fog lamps.PROPER front fog lights are useful ,rear fog lights are hardly ever required.All car dealers who sell euro cars should instruct kiwis how to work multiple light switches.

[Voltaire]

Bring back proper indicators
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/TatraSemaphore.jpg
and decent rear lights..
http://www.car-stock-photos.com/photos/vintage-car-rear-tail-fins-1950s-cadillac.jpeg

[scumdog]

Add to the rant - cars with the STUPID american style indicators

They should be banned.

Describe these 'stupid American style' indicators, I may have some...<_<

[PrincessBandit]

I hate the way people come into a roundabout indicating one thing, but actually doing something else e.g. indicating a right turn when, in fact, they are going "straight through" the roundabout but then indicate left to "cancel" the right turn :scratch: Thankfully I haven't seen that for a while, but then I did have one woman slurping oblviously on her Macca's coke sail around the roundabout at Weymouth Rd the other day nearly collecting me as I read the "no indicator" as "not turning right". Stupid me. My mind reading skills weren't that great that night - at least my reaction speed was sufficient to avoid an SUV shaped dent in my drivers door...

[nzspokes]

I have noticed that at night time a lot of front indicators are hard to see when the car is opposite at an intersection. With some indicators built into the headlight unit, the flashing light can be hard to pickup from alongside a bright white headlight beam.

The stupid LED ones on motorcycles are worse.