this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2025
329 points (94.6% liked)

No Stupid Questions

39988 readers
740 users here now

No such thing. Ask away!

!nostupidquestions is a community dedicated to being helpful and answering each others' questions on various topics.

The rules for posting and commenting, besides the rules defined here for lemmy.world, are as follows:

Rules (interactive)


Rule 1- All posts must be legitimate questions. All post titles must include a question.

All posts must be legitimate questions, and all post titles must include a question. Questions that are joke or trolling questions, memes, song lyrics as title, etc. are not allowed here. See Rule 6 for all exceptions.



Rule 2- Your question subject cannot be illegal or NSFW material.

Your question subject cannot be illegal or NSFW material. You will be warned first, banned second.



Rule 3- Do not seek mental, medical and professional help here.

Do not seek mental, medical and professional help here. Breaking this rule will not get you or your post removed, but it will put you at risk, and possibly in danger.



Rule 4- No self promotion or upvote-farming of any kind.

That's it.



Rule 5- No baiting or sealioning or promoting an agenda.

Questions which, instead of being of an innocuous nature, are specifically intended (based on reports and in the opinion of our crack moderation team) to bait users into ideological wars on charged political topics will be removed and the authors warned - or banned - depending on severity.



Rule 6- Regarding META posts and joke questions.

Provided it is about the community itself, you may post non-question posts using the [META] tag on your post title.

On fridays, you are allowed to post meme and troll questions, on the condition that it's in text format only, and conforms with our other rules. These posts MUST include the [NSQ Friday] tag in their title.

If you post a serious question on friday and are looking only for legitimate answers, then please include the [Serious] tag on your post. Irrelevant replies will then be removed by moderators.



Rule 7- You can't intentionally annoy, mock, or harass other members.

If you intentionally annoy, mock, harass, or discriminate against any individual member, you will be removed.

Likewise, if you are a member, sympathiser or a resemblant of a movement that is known to largely hate, mock, discriminate against, and/or want to take lives of a group of people, and you were provably vocal about your hate, then you will be banned on sight.



Rule 8- All comments should try to stay relevant to their parent content.



Rule 9- Reposts from other platforms are not allowed.

Let everyone have their own content.



Rule 10- Majority of bots aren't allowed to participate here. This includes using AI responses and summaries.



Credits

Our breathtaking icon was bestowed upon us by @Cevilia!

The greatest banner of all time: by @TheOneWithTheHair!

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I use it literally everywhere out of habit, I got made fun of for using it when pulling out of my moms driveway once lol

The only reason I won't possibly use it is when I'm in a turn only lane at a red light and don't want to listen to it for 3 minutes

Most people I find only use it 75% of the time at best.
I'm 2.5 years into driving and am curious if it's just what semi-new drivers do or if I'm the odd one out.

top 50 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] CouncilOfFriends@slrpnk.net 3 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

I felt dumb using it at a roundabout because nobody does there, then I looked it up and found it's something you're supposed to do. No harm in over communicating when you're in control of a few thousands pounds of metal.

[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 27 points 1 day ago

Only assholes don't use their blinkers. Anyone making fun of you for using yours is a selfish turd.

[–] ApatheticCactus@lemmy.world 9 points 1 day ago

I always do. Feels wrong not to. Just get in the habit of ALWAYS using them and it becomes a no-brainer. It's just a good habit to have.

[–] PieMePlenty@lemmy.world 22 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Its the only way you can signal your intentions. Being predictable is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Combine these two and its a no brainer. Always use them.

[–] tauren@lemm.ee 21 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Sure. It's better to develop this habit and use them automatically, without thinking. Sometimes there are no cars around, but pedestrians want to know your intentions too. And even if you don't see anyone, it doesn't mean there's nobody around.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] SLVRDRGN@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago

It's always good to communicate on the road, the more information the better. I'm not sure why anyone would give you a hard time about this, unless they're insecure (about what, I couldn't analyze). Signals tell everyone around you what you're about to do. Keep up the good work.

[–] a_wild_mimic_appears@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

as a pedestrian i have to say that i never use my blinker.

joke aside, there's not much that aggravates me more than drivers not using their signals when they can turn either left or right, but cannot continue forward, like near the street i live in that i frequently have to cross. since they HAVE to turn, i have to wait for them to either remember that they have turn signals, or wait until they have enlightened me about their decision by making them a fact.

don't be an ass, use your turn signals to make your intentions known for the weaker parties on the road.

[–] pixeltree@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 1 day ago

Your eyes must be really dry

[–] Andromxda@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 1 day ago

I drive a BMW

[–] dream_weasel@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 day ago

Yes and that's how it should be. It shouldn't even be conscious. I signal into and out of parking spaces, I signal every lane change, hell I signal for sharp corners sometimes.

It seems to me if you are choosing to signal or not, then the use of turn signals isn't that heavily ingrained. Before I turn the wheel I'm instinctively touching the signal lever.

Keep up the good work!

[–] KingThrillgore@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If you ever think you are useless, remember people are paid to install turn signals in new Lexuses

[–] ikidd@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago

If a BMW has a turn signal on, rest assured, it was purchased in that condition.

[–] rumba@lemmy.zip 6 points 1 day ago

I never get bent about other people using them when they don't need to. It's real fucking old sitting at a busy light where I could have gone five times if someone would have had a moment to flick a switch.

[–] FlapJackFlapper@lemm.ee 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

I'm the road a lot as a cyclist. Like OP, I'd estimate that at least a quarter of vehicles rarely or never signal.

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] brax@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yes, and I really wish cops would aggressive ticket every motherfucker who doesn't. ESPECIALLY the fucking morons who switch lanes without them, but when they're in the turning lane with literal no other option, THEN they fucking find their blinker.

Like hello fuckwit, I'm not a damn psychic, but thank you so fucking much for using that blinker in the least important place of everywhere your dumb ass drove.

There is 0 scenario where a blinker should be used that I won't use it, and fuck anybody who doesn't use theirs. If you can't handle the simple act of flicking a stick with your finger, you sure as fuck shouldn't be able to operate a land torpedo.

[–] OrderedChaos@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I just wish people would use it on roundabouts and not use it until after they pass anything that comes before their intended turn.

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

All the time. To the point of if I don’t use it I really kinda have a “Shit, forgot my signal” moment.

That said I don’t get too bent out of shape about other people not signaling unless it’s these two situations: making a tight lane change, or with a speed differential where I’m overtaking. Basically just short of cutting me off. Signal and I can compensate. Cut over with no warning and fuck you. Second is braking before signaling a turn, say into a driveway or side street. IDK what the hell they teach in driver’s ed these days but we got drilled that you signal first and then brake because the signal is a warning to the driver behind you that you’re gonna slow for a turn and gives them time to prepare for what you’re gonna do. Be predictable. Seems like 3/4 time people just hit their brakes in the middle of the lane leaving you wondering wtf they’re doing or if they’re just an idiot.

[–] oppy1984@lemm.ee 4 points 1 day ago

Yes, even in clearly marked turn only lanes. I wish more people were ticketed for not using them.

[–] shaggyb@lemmy.world 71 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yes. Don't listen to people who tell you not to.

The indicator is for communicating your intent to change the position (which lane you're in) or direction (turning in or out of a road, parking space, etc.) of your car.

The safest thing you can do as a driver is to be PREDICTABLE to other drivers. The indicator communicates necessary information for other drivers to predict your actions.

Not using one when changing the position or direction of your car is inconsiderate and dangerous to other road users. It is also illegal.

Use them. Please.

[–] zqps@sh.itjust.works 29 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Not just to drivers.

There's nothing more annoying as a pedestrian than a vehicle whose driver has seemingly decided to run into you because they 1) didn't think to use their signals and 2) mostly just checked for car traffic until you're right in front of their bumper.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] illi@lemm.ee 152 points 2 days ago (11 children)

Always. Driveway? Blinkers. Parking? Blinkers. On an empty road with no one in sight? Believe it or not, blinkers.

It's a muscle memory. When you get used to using them, you just do. If you have exceptions, you might forget it when it matters.

load more comments (11 replies)
[–] selkiesidhe@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago

Yes. Because people are horrible drivers and I want them to know what I'm up to. At least one of us can be informed about the other...

The only time I don't is when there is no one behind me and I'm turning onto my home street. Or if I'm sitting in a turn only lane. If I'm in a turn only lane, then I'm turning so...

[–] dota__2@lemmy.world 239 points 2 days ago (8 children)
load more comments (8 replies)
[–] whotookkarl@lemmy.world 42 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Use your blinker, return your cart to the corral, and mind your business

I'm sure I've missed it sometimes over the years, but if you make it a habit it's harder to forget or ignore

[–] jimmux@programming.dev 31 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It's actually easier to just use it every time. Deciding whether you need to is cognitive load that's better spent on other things.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] 5in1k@lemm.ee 35 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Always. Drive predictably it helps.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network 122 points 2 days ago
[–] myrrh@ttrpg.network 9 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

...i always use my signals to unambiguously communicate intent; the only time i've been embarrassed is after carrying that habit onto the track, but it's tough to break...

...my wife uses her signals to ask permission, which i feel can cause confusion, but she feels the same way about me...

[–] VinesNFluff@pawb.social 24 points 2 days ago

Only sickos don't use their blinkers

[–] neidu3@sh.itjust.works 30 points 2 days ago

I don't drive a BMW, so yes.

[–] MTK@lemmy.world 32 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Making funof someone for doing the responsible thing is childish and stupid.

As long as you are using them to indicate intent you are using them correctly. At worst you are being extra clear to drivers around you. If you don't use them though, at worst you are an unpredictable driver that might be involved in a crash.

Fuck the people that made fun of you.

P. S I use them any time I do something that isn't driving straight, i don't care if there are others around me, if it's a single lane, if it's obvious, etc. Every time I stray from a straight line I signal it.

[–] Glytch@lemmy.world 35 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Of course I do. My goal while driving is to be predictable so I can minimize the chances of causing an accident.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] Clasm@ttrpg.network 91 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The people who made fun of you won't be laughing when they share 50% of the blame during the damage claim phase of an accident.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] pineapplelover@lemm.ee 72 points 2 days ago

I use it all the time and I judge people who don't.

[–] null_dot@lemmy.dbzer0.com 79 points 2 days ago

Yeah. Whoever made fun of you is an idiot.

[–] TastyWheat@lemmy.world 66 points 2 days ago

Other drivers cannot read minds, so use the blinker.

Its why it's there in the first place.

[–] twice_hatch@midwest.social 5 points 1 day ago

Yes even in parking lots and driveways, except sometimes when I'm pulling into a double turn lane and I don't want people to think I'm changing lanes

Yes, I use them even if there is nobody around as it’s good to keep the habit. I’ve noticed not many people use them in say a right only lane, but my logic is pedestrians might not know and so you should use it there too.

UK.

[–] CaptPretentious@lemmy.world 27 points 2 days ago

I use them 100% of the time. Which yes, includes my own driveway.

You should train yourself to use them automatically instead of a manual step. Like a reflex.

And if you're at a light and you plan to turn, you have that blinker going. Even if it's a long red light, even if you think no one is around.

[–] SuperSaiyanSwag@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago

I would rather overuse it than under use it. Funnily enough I do use mine in turn only lanes too, it’s just background noise to me at this point, but I never used it while pulling out of a low traffic suburban/rural house.

[–] alehel@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 day ago

I always use it because then I'll never forget to use it.

[–] Barking@lemmy.world 34 points 2 days ago

I get really annoyed when people don't use them. My psychic powers are terrible and I like to not have people suddenly change lanes in front of me or cut me off on the road.

Blinkers are not just for special occasions or discos!

[–] Flamekebab@piefed.social 39 points 2 days ago

I remember a driving instructor asking me who I was indicating for when we were practising in a suburb. I couldn't see any other cars but figured that if one appeared they'd want to know my intentions and it would mean it was one less thing to think about.

I fired that instructor.

load more comments
view more: next ›