lane change blinker
11-05-16, 12:35 PM
#91
Lexus Test Driver
I never felt comfortable with the 3, either I was trying to make the change before it stop or clicking it again. I don't like to be cutoff and don't like to do it to the others. Also remember the lane change signal is to alert the drivers you are making the change not your permission to make the change. If you have to cross more than 2 lanes it also allows more time in case you have to change multiple lanes.
There's a reason the default lane change is 3 blinks...
11-05-16, 12:51 PM
#92
No one should ever make multiple lane changes in one fell swoop. It's dangerous, causes confusion and draws unneeded attention. They should make multiple lane changes in separate segments - signal and make one lane change and stay in that lane a brief period of time, then signal again and make the next lane change.
There's a reason the default lane change is 3 blinks...
There's a reason the default lane change is 3 blinks...
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Ironman50 (01-24-21)
11-05-16, 01:37 PM
#94
Lexus Test Driver
11-05-16, 04:20 PM
#95
I just came from running errands and this situation just occurred on Preston Road, im sure you are familiar with it. Its a busy 3-4 lane route that runs north and south in the Dallas suburbs. I was on the far right lane and someone was on the far left lane. I was out in front of him by more than a car length and signaled to change to the middle lane, they wanted that lane as well too. I signaled and turned in, I noticed that they were about to turn about a half sec after I was and changed their mind (slight wheel swerve on their part) when they saw my blinker (5 blinks) If it was 3 he might have missed it and turned at the same time I did. Just a thought.
11-05-16, 04:58 PM
#96
Lexus Test Driver
I just came from running errands and this situation just occurred on Preston Road, im sure you are familiar with it. Its a busy 3-4 lane route that runs north and south in the Dallas suburbs. I was on the far right lane and someone was on the far left lane. I was out in front of him by more than a car length and signaled to change to the middle lane, they wanted that lane as well too. I signaled and turned in, I noticed that they were about to turn about a half sec after I was and changed their mind (slight wheel swerve on their part) when they saw my blinker (5 blinks) If it was 3 he might have missed it and turned at the same time I did. Just a thought.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, an unsafe lane change is any activity that, by it’s undertaking, creates an unreasonable level of risk for the driving conditions. (This can be interpreted any way the officer wishes.) In practice, unsafe lane change citations typically involve a vehicle entering a lane already occupied in close proximity by another vehicle. (How close proximity is too close.) ►The most common causes of unsafe lane change tickets are drivers attempting to exit a freeway by crossing multiple lanes in rapid succession too close to the actual exit. (Again, how close is too close.) Another common cause involves cars entering a freeway or major thoroughfare, but not providing adequate room between their vehicle and vehicles already traveling in that lane (How much room is adequate.) - often causing the other vehicle to brake (Any braking at all, or heavy braking.) or swerve to avoid a potential collision. ◄
As you can see, the officer makes the decision on whether he believes the lane change is safe, or not. However, as stated, the most common causes of unsafe lane changes are crossing multiple lanes. It definitely draws the attention of a lot of eyes, and if a traffic officer views it as being unsafe (for whatever reason he thinks fits the situation) you can be given a citation. Unsafe lane changes, depending on the circumstances involved, can quickly become reckless driving charges that carry far greater penalties.
All that said, I will often move directly to the center lane when getting onto Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike or Sam Rayburn Tollway. But, I always make sure that no one is remotely close to me that would consider my driving problematic, and I do it smoothly with enough time so-as not to draw unfavorable attention..and I just leave my turn signal On until my car is 75% in the lane.
Bottom line is: whether using 3 blinks or 5 blinks or 7 blinks - not all lane changes work out perfectly for the same number of blinks each time. Some lane changes only need 3, others may need 5, still others may need 7...and some may need dozens and dozens before you're able to make the move.
Drive safely out there...
PS - I'm a big believer in constantly scanning all my mirrors and knowing where everybody around me is at all times.
11-06-16, 08:50 AM
#98
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by bclexus
5 blinks is two blinks too many for me. The default of 3 is perfect - one or two blinks before making the move, and then a final blink or two during the move..and no blinks after the change is complete. If you are still blinking after the lane change is complete you are still signalling to those behind you that you are making yet another lane change, shift, turn or something. That's not good...and about as bad as following behind that [unaware] driver with his/her turn signal on and doesn't know it.
The last thing anyone should want is to still be blinking after you've already accomplished the lane change. A normal lane change should never take 5 blinks from initiation to finish. That is why default is set to 3. And, if you are in such heavy traffic that making a lane change does take a long time, then you are going to be using the full turning signal anyway...
The last thing anyone should want is to still be blinking after you've already accomplished the lane change. A normal lane change should never take 5 blinks from initiation to finish. That is why default is set to 3. And, if you are in such heavy traffic that making a lane change does take a long time, then you are going to be using the full turning signal anyway...
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jessalynn (06-13-19)
11-08-16, 12:31 PM
#99
Lexus Test Driver
06-10-19, 07:13 PM
#101
Lexus Test Driver
Well, for 2½ years I have used the 5 blinks for lane changing. For me, I think 4 blinks would be perfect, but since it's either 3 or 5 blinks I've just left it on 5 blinks.
06-10-19, 09:01 PM
#102
Lexus Test Driver
Here in Cali, 1 blink per lane and most don't even blink at all. It's horrible! 
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signdetres (07-26-20)
11-06-19, 10:22 AM
#103
Pit Crew
Just did this change this weekend, makes the driving experience much better. Thanks for the great tips
07-17-20, 06:55 PM
#104
This thread is golden. Changed mine to 7 blinks. Three was never enough.
