Dear drivers of Bermuda:

Incase you were not aware, there are these awesome little things on your car, bike, or truck called TURN SIGNALS - some may refer to these as INDICATORS, because as the name implies, using these little marvels actually indicates your intent to other drivers.

Now, I could be wrong, but they must have held the training session on the proper use of the TURN SIGNALS during cup match weekend, which would explain why no one seems to know what they are used for. Here is a handy list for your future reference:

- It is most helpful if you use the appropriate TURN SIGNAL in ADVANCE of making your move, rather than flipping them on after you have already cut off the driver in the other lane to get ahead of them. Also a wave of the hand and beep of the horn does NOT make up for the panic attack you have just caused by cutting the other driver off.

- Using a turn signal in advance of turning onto another road is also particularily helpful to the drivers behind you, because it lets them know that a slow down/stop is imminent. Even if your preferred method of slowing down/stopping is to SLAM on your brakes at the last moment before turning, the drivers behind you can anticipate this action.

- When it is desired to change lanes on roads such as Crow Lane/East Broadway, it is most curteous of you to indicate your desire using the appropriate turn signal, and merge with traffic. It is not appropriate to stop DEAD in the lane you are in, and telepathically communicate such desires to the drivers in the lane you wish to be in while holding up all the traffic behind you - who are now leaving the lane to go into the other lane because they have no idea why you stopped.

- I know that this is a whacktastic idea, but you can even use the turn signal to indicate when you are going to pass another vehicle using the opposing lane...I'm good at coming up with marveloous new ideas! Try it, lemme know if it works for you.

As has already been mentioned in another post, there are appropriate methods for using your signals at roundabouts as well.

I know that the turn signal isn't as much fun as using your horn, and not as flashy as using your brights...heck, you can't even see them except for the little ticking noise and light on your dash, you wouldn't even know they were there. Which brings me to the last point:

After you have completed any maneouver using your indicators, make sure they are now safely in the off position, so that you are not miscommunicating another turn for you is up ahead....

Next refresher course will be on how to drive with your foot OFF the brake so that you don't cause an accident when you actually do have to stop. There are great little lights on the back of your car that glow RED when you hit the brakes to warn the people behind you that you are slowing down and/or stopping.

I trust the above is helpful.

you've been here long enough. Spell it the bermudian way!

adWANCE!

BTW, GREAT post. k2u. That cracked me up.

You only look in the mirror so much 'cuz you so pretty, LiF!

"When I type ADV_ANCE it comes up ADtigga..."

Yeah, that's a glitch in the system. It should be ADDtigga....

Thanks!

I am seriously going to start kicking cars that piss me off like this...
I also have a few words for my fellow bike riders...but most of them are cuss words!

FOR REALZ?   

Then how come when you go to TCD they test for them?

The D has it correct. Taken from bermudalaws.bm:

MOTOR CAR (CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND USE) REGULATIONS 1952
Direction indicators
23 (1) Where any direction indicator is fitted to a motor car it shall be maintained in proper working order...

     (3) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed so as to require the fitting of a direction indicator to a motor car.

On a motorcycle you can only remove the indicators if they are the kind that attach and stick-out from the side of the bike. If they are fitted into the plastics you cannot remove them (and they must work to pass TCD).

Wikigrl I am so with you on the lack of indicator usage by people. Whether on the vehicle or using hand-signals, there'd be far less "accidents" if people used them correctly.

And no, using the indicator while already turning doesn't count.

And no, having no hands free to signal because one hand's on the wheel and the other's propping your cell phone doesn't count either.

Really wish that the powers that be could sensibly crackdown on this.