Failing to use turn signals is a risk factor for a serious crash
Turn signals, also called blinkers, are one of the most important communication devices on your vehicle. After all, the primary purpose of these lights is to alert other drivers to your intentions. People in front of and behind you, or even across from you at an intersection, will know how to predict what you will do next based on the use of your turn signals.
Unfortunately, although Georgia law mandates the use of turn signals before every turn, many drivers do not use them consistently. It is more than annoying to other drivers when people fail to use their blinkers. It is, in fact, quite dangerous. When no one else can predict when a driver is about to turn, this can result in accurate assumptions and potentially a crash.
Turn signals are important at intersections and when merging lanes
A significant number of collisions occur at intersections. Many times, these crashes are the result of one driver failing to adequately monitor the area. However, some preventable intersection crashes are the result of a driver not using their turn signal. Other drivers at the intersection may assume that a driver intends to go straight forward, which could lead people to turn directly into the path of the vehicle. People may not know they need to yield if they don’t know how you will turn.
Preventing a potential collision is why every driver should always turn on their blinker several car lengths back from any intersection or corner. Similarly, anyone who needs to change lanes while driving should also apply their turn signals as soon as possible. That way, anyone else who may also intend to merge into another lane can tell what your intentions are. Failing to use your turn signal before merging lanes or turning a corner could mean that you cause an otherwise preventable crash.
Failing to use a turn signal could result in liability for a collision
When someone doesn’t take the step of turning on their blinker before a turn or lane change, they could increase the risk of a collision. When law enforcement arrives to evaluate the crash or accident, failure to use the turn signal could play into whom the officer cites for the accident. More importantly, it could also result in financial and legal liability for the collision.
In other words, someone who fails to use their turn signal appropriately and then gets into a crash with another vehicle could end up with several points on their license, a ticket, increased insurance rates and financial liability for the losses of the other party. Clearly, just using your blinker when you need to turn or merge is the best option.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a crash caused by a driver who failed to signal their intention to turn or merge, such a decision could impact your right to compensation. It may be time to review the details of your case and consider your options.