Note to Jax Drivers: Turn Signals Serve a Purpose

Turn signals, flashers, turn indicators, directionals, signal lamps--whatever you call them, they do serve an actual purpose, so I am pleading with Jacksonville drivers to use your turn signals. The primary purpose of these lights on vehicles is TO LET OTHERS KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING. It's wonderful that you already know where you're going, and that's actually half the battle for me as I get used to such situations as Atlantic Blvd becoming Arlington Expy, which crosses Arlington Rd which crosses Atlantic Blvd. If you're lost, like I am half the time, then I understand, but for those of you who just don't feel like letting the rest of us know your intentions, please reconsider.


Here's the Florida statute for you:

316.155 When signal required.—
(1) No person may turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a highway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided, in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.
(2) A signal of intention to turn right or left must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning [...]
(3) No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear, when there is opportunity to give such signal. [...]
(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318. 

I'm sure JSO isn't pulling people over for this, but you'll get a ticket when you are responsible for someone hitting you. However, you won't get a ticket if you cause a crash but are not physically involved, as in my car runs into a tree to avoid hitting you.

My question is: what are you doing that's so important that you can't let the rest of us know where you're going? I've looked, and it doesn't appear these non-conformists are texting, singing intently, or trying to lose a police tail. If any of those are generally true for you, then I guess that's OK, but if it's just because you don't like expending the energy to flip the stem, then think of it as valuable exercise. Not as useful as stomach crunches, but something.