OK, so the forums on Ozbargain are as much about social commentary as bargains. Help me solve my dilemma. My partner's niece drove us home from a function on Saturday night. She is 23, and we are on good terms. I was a little aghast at her attitude towards indicating. I've drafted the following letter…..should I send it?
Thanks for driving us home on Saturday night. I noticed something, and I thought I should tell you about it. I know I’m just your sort of/almost uncle, but I have been driving for 45 years without a major accident (I’ve been rear ended twice in stop-start traffic…no damage). You’ve got more than 45 years driving in front of you. If you don’t get it right now, the habits you have will stay with you forever.
My observation? Indicating. It isn’t optional. It’s not just that the law says you must indicate when changing direction, no matter whether other cars are around or not. Indicating every time you change direction - on roads, in car parks, anywhere – is probably the most important good driving habit that you can develop. It can save your life.
You may check your mirrors, see no other cars and change lane, turn a corner or do a U turn without indicating. You may get away with it 200 times. Perhaps 500 times. But one day, the car (or motorbike or bike) you don’t see will be there. Indicating in advance of your movement gives the other car a chance to beep you or to take evasive action.
Indicating in advance means just that. When changing lanes, develop the discipline of letting the indicator blink at least three times before starting to move across. Let it blink once, and it might be just when the driver behind is checking his mirrors. Keep the indicator on as you move across. It should be on for at least seven blinks. Indicate every time you pull out from the kerb, pull into a parking spot on the street or in a car park….every time you change direction.
Not indicating doesn’t save your blinkers from wear and tear. It isn’t physically taxing. You aren’t gaining anything from not doing it. I don’t mean to preach…..I just don’t want you ending up a casualty of your own habits.
Everyone has that “weird” uncle I guess. Go for it, send the letter!