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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Turn signals are a nonoptional feature on vehicles, but their use is for some drivers.
It’s an issue we keep hearing about here at CBS 17 – drivers not using their turn signals. It was first featured in our ‘What’s Driving You Crazy’ segment and the flood of emails from viewers have been non-stop.
On an almost daily basis, Joanne Nelson says she sees drivers failing to use their turn signals at intersections and while changing lanes.
“We always talk about we go, ‘Oh, there’s another one, there’s another one,” Nelson said.
She wrote in CBS 17 after mounting frustration.
“I’ve been observing this more and more, and I see it so often, it just drives me crazy,” said Nelson.
After airing our story with Nelson, CBS 17’s Judith Retana has continued to receive a flood of messages from other drivers just as frustrated.
One person telling us he and his wife were “both at wits end. The practice of not using turn signals has become a dangerous fad. “
With another chiming in saying it’s a huge pet peeve, adding, “I believe we need to make a big deal out of this and alert the local police agencies and get them to start cracking down on this.”
Another viewer telling us he was involved in a crash when a driver kept their blinker on after turning. They said, “I have noticed many times when a driver keeps the signal on for many miles and is going straight down the road. That to me is more confusing for other drivers than not using it when making a turn.”
CBS 17 found using your blinker isn’t about a habit or preference. It’s the law. State law says drivers need 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. You could be cited $500 if you cause a crash resulting in property damage, or injury to a motorcycle or bike operator, or passenger.
A fine of $750 could be imposed if you don’t use a blinker and cause more than $5,000 in property damage or someone sustains serious bodily injuries. Drivers could also face a 30-day driver license suspension.
Nelson hopes as she and more drivers continue speaking out, more people will consider using their turn lights.
“Maybe somebody will see this and go, ‘Oh, you know what? I don’t use my turn signals. Maybe I should’,” Nelson said.
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.
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Judith Retana
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