Contrary to Popular Belief, It’s OK to Use Turn Signals
OK readers, today I want you to take a little test. I promise this will not affect whether you get promoted or what college will admit you.
The subject today is turn signals, those little lights on the back of your car, truck or motorcycle that blink on and off like Christmas lights when you push the appropriate lever.
Here is your question:
You are on the freeway in the slow lane, and you decide to move to the lane to your left. Before proceeding you should:
a) Switch your turn signal on so everyone knows what you plan to do, and then look over your shoulder to see if it’s clear; or
b) Quickly swerve into the next lane with no warning. If you hear no loud crash and feel no tremendous jolt, it must have been OK to do that.
If you answered b) to this question, congratulations, you are one of the many boneheads who make driving about as enjoyable as a spinal tap.
I raise this topic because several readers have written to complain about drivers who just can’t seem to get the hang of using the signal device properly.
Phyllis Gomer of North Hollywood says: “It seems like a very simple way to stop many accidents from happening: Signal other drivers of your intentions. It does not take a whole lot of effort, and it could save your life.”
Frankie Marx of Burbank complains: “My pet peeve is when you’re caught behind a driver in the left lane who blinks his left turn signal just as the light changes, too late for you to move around to the right lane.”
Leo Case of Glendale writes: “It is as if a giant conspiracy were afoot that has left people convinced that if they use their turn signal too much, they would somehow self-destruct.”
For those of you who still believe that old self-destruction myth, let me assure you that top government scientists disproved that theory years ago. It is safe to use your signal. Really!
Dear Street Smart:
Is there any plan to develop Metrolink commuter service to the Antelope Valley? I’ve heard some talk about a system connecting to the Los Angeles International Airport. What is the time line?
Raymond H. Johnson
Palmdale
Dear Reader:
I feel sorry for you Antelope Valley residents who work in the San Fernando Valley or downtown Los Angeles. I’ve heard that you guys spend so much time in your commute that you have to hire people to take your vacations for you.
But don’t fret. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Los Angeles County has already purchased a stretch of tracks to bring commuter trains to the Antelope Valley. But before the service can begin, some work is needed to straighten some sharp curves on the tracks so trains can travel at faster speeds. County transportation officials estimate they can fix the problem and bring you commuter trains within five years.
As for the proposed high-speed train between Palmdale and LAX, the county Metropolitan Transportation Authority has already accepted some proposals by private firms to build the line. However, transportation officials estimate that it won’t be built until sometime around the year 2020.
Until then, you can reduce stress by commuting to L.A. on one of the commuter buses operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority. For schedules and pickup locations call (805) 945-9445.
Dear Street Smart:
On a recent Sunday we were traveling east on the Ventura Freeway and we couldn’t believe the transition to the southbound San Diego Freeway was closed! Was this some kind of emergency? Why don’t they make announcements of these situations on the radio or TV? Is Caltrans trying to drive people crazy, or what?
Larry Bakos
Canoga Park
Dear Reader:
The answer to your last question is, of course, debatable. But I’ll take a shot at the other two questions.
Dave Servaes, a Caltrans regional manager, said both connector roads between the eastbound Ventura Freeway and the San Diego Freeway were closed June 13 for routine maintenance, such as paving potholes, repairing guard rails, erasing graffiti and landscaping. He said signs and a portable flashing signboard were on the freeway to notify motorists that the ramps were closed. There was also a sign that directed drivers to an alternate route.
Servaes said he was at the site on that Sunday and saw no major traffic backup. “This was a very smooth operation,” he said.
He’s got his story, you’ve got yours. I’m sure you’re both good people, and would not want to take this out on a well-meaning columnist.
Dear Street Smart:
I work in North Hollywood and frequently use Chandler Boulevard. In this area, Chandler is a divided street, with two eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes divided by the Southern Pacific railroad tracks.
When I’m going east on Chandler and making a left turn across the tracks, at a signal, am I allowed to complete the turn onto a northbound street when the signal turns green or am I obligated to wait for the green signal governing traffic that is going north and south?
Dennis J. Graham
Sylmar
Dear Reader:
I know the turn you describe. It’s a true test for any driver, and we are including here the sketch you sent to help other readers see the problem.
A couple of Los Angeles police traffic officers told me that the way to tell if you must wait for the north-south signal is to look for a thick, white “limit line” on the pavement.
In this case, there is a limit line just after you cross the tracks. So, after you get a green light to turn left from Chandler, you must stop at the line and wait for the green signal for the north-south street.
When I tried this turn, I stopped at the white line. But a woman in a car next to me zoomed across the line without hesitation. Lucky for her there was no cop nearby, because she could have been cited for running a red light. Doubly lucky she didn’t get T-boned by a cement truck.
Dear Readers:
In last week’s column, I poked fun at the Chevrolet Nova for having a name that means “Won’t Go” in Spanish.
Richard Seegman of Sherman Oaks wrote to point out another Chevrolet model name that could have used a bit more forethought. After all, when you are driving, who wants to get a Citation?
