Roadside Chat – Using your blinker. Very demure. Very mindful.
The whole world seems to be talking about being “demure” and “mindful.” But what does that actually mean? According to Jools Lebron the TikToker who started the trending phrase, it refers to “a refined, subtle elegance in various contexts.” What could be more refined and elegant than helping others sharing the road with you understand where you are going by using your turn signal?
Using your turn signal isn’t just a courtesy it can keep pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists safe by understanding your intentions. It may seem like a simple task but doing it correctly can increase the safety of those around you.
- Signal early– Signaling well before you plan to make a turn prevents others from passing you.
- Signal continuously– Keep the signal on until you complete the turn, lane change, or other movement. This will help others understand that you are still intending to do something different.
- Turn off your signal after turning– Once you’ve completed your movement make sure your turn signal is off so people understand when your movement is complete.
While the trusty turn signal has been around since 1909 and became mandatory in all cars in 1967 it can feel like some people haven’t quite “discovered” this cool, new invention yet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiPqKdLLDJQ.
In 2024 in Iowa, 248 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 18 since last Friday. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf