NEW HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – Turn signals are a non-optional feature on vehicles, but their use appears to be optional for some drivers.
On an almost daily basis, Joanne Nelson says she sees drivers failing to use their turn signals at intersections and while changing lanes.
“I’ve been observing this more and more, and I see it so often,” Nelson said. “It just drives me crazy.”
It’s not just a pet peeve. Nelson’s had close calls with drivers not signaling their next move.
“I came to an intersection, and, you know, I’m not sure where people are going, and somebody cut right in front of me,” she said. “Fortunately, I sat back and waited.”
It’s not limited to just passenger vehicles. Nelson says she’s witnessed school buses and law enforcement failing to use their indicator.
“I think it’s really dangerous,” she said.
It’s why she decided to reach out to CBS 17.
“I do watch your channel, and I came across this ‘Drives You Crazy’ – I was sitting here, and when my husband and I are driving, we always talk about it,” Nelson explained. “I was sitting here, and when my husband and I are driving, we always talk about it. We go, ‘Oh, there’s another one, there’s another one.’ I thought, you know what? I’ve never really done anything like this, but I’m going to write in. I’m just going to write in and see, because I think it is something that needs to be addressed.”
CBS 17 found that using your blinkers isn’t about a habit or preference. It’s the law.
North Carolina law states that drivers are required to use their turn signals if their movement will affect another driver.
If you don’t use your blinker and cause a motorcycle or bicycle to change or leave their lane of travel, state law says you can be cited $200. Drivers could be cited $500 if they cause a crash resulting in property damage, or injury to a motorcycle or bike operator, or passenger.
A fine of $750 may be imposed if you don’t use a blinker and cause more than $5,000 in property damage or if someone sustains serious bodily injuries.
Drivers might also face a 30-day license suspension.
“Turn signals are important,” Nelson said. “They’re on your car for a purpose.”
Nelson hopes speaking out to raise a little awareness and make the roads safer for everyone.
“I just think it should be brought to people’s attention,” she said. “Maybe somebody will see this and go, ‘Oh, you know what? I don’t use my turn signals. Maybe I should.'”
Do you have a concern or question about something around town? Whether it’s traffic, noise, or even a funky smell, we want to hear about it and get you some answers.
Email reporter Judith Retana at Crazy@CBS17.com with your concerns.
Judith Retana
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