Blinkers 101

Above, hopefully, is a video of what cool turn signals, AKA "Blinkers", look like. Yours need not be this cool to be effective. On most cars, the lever that controls them can be found on that little part that connects the steering wheel to the dashboard (as seen below). Lift UP (clockwise) for a right turn, push DOWN (counter-clockwise) for a left turn.


auto.howstuffworks.com

Theorem: Turn signals indicate that you will be turning.

Corollary #1: They prepare the people behind you for the fact that you may slow down prior to your turn.

Corollary #2: Lighting your turn signal AFTER your have SLAMMED ON YOUR BRAKES is not nearly as helpful. (Though there may be comfort in knowing you won't be in front of me anymore.)

Obviously, everyone has performed the "break first, signal second" maneuver, especially in a new town. I have a hard time believing, though, that the 8 people who did it in front of me today are newer to the San Diego area than I am.

There. Now I feel better.