Ep. 28: Signal or Surprise - The Language of the Road (Turn Signals/Blinkers)

Ever notice how you can sometimes predict a driver's next move before they even signal? There's actually a science to it. In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden language of the road - how cars communicate through "body language" even when drivers don't use their turn signals.

The statistics are shocking: drivers fail to signal 48% of the time during lane changes and 25% when turning. That contributes to 2 million crashes annually - equivalent to the entire population of Houston getting into accidents because someone couldn't flip a switch.

We explore the fascinating psychology behind why some drivers treat signals like optional accessories while others are religious about using them. You'll learn to identify the four distinct signaling personality types: the over-signallers who leave their blinker on for miles, the last-second signallers who technically comply but don't actually communicate, the non-signallers who think everyone should just "figure it out," and the fake-out crowd who change their minds mid-maneuver.

But here's where it gets really interesting - we teach you how to read vehicle body language. That slight drift toward the lane line, the way a car positions itself relative to traffic, subtle speed changes that signal intent - these are all tells that can help you anticipate dangerous moves before they happen. Master these skills and you'll develop what feels like a sixth sense on the road.

The episode includes a practical three-part challenge to help you build automatic signaling habits, sharpen your observation skills, and identify which signaling personality type you encounter most (and which one you might be yourself).

Hashtags: #TurnSignals #DefensiveDriving #RoadSafety #DrivingTips #CommuteTips #TrafficSafety #VehicleBodyLanguage #DrivingSkills #RoadAwareness #SafetyFirst

Chapters

• 0:15 Intro: Turn Signals
• 0:45 Why Signals are So Important - Statistics
• 1:47 To Signal or NOT To Signal - "Body Language"
• 2:49 NO Signaling Tells To Watch For
• 3:48 Signaling Personalities
• 5:18 Anticipating - with or Without Signals
• 6:21 Signaling Summary
• 6:55 Wrap-up/Call to Action

Transcript

Episode 28: Signal or Surprise - The Language of the Road

[Intro music plays, then host intro]

You know, if I had a dollar for every time I saw a driver skip using their turn signal, I'd probably be recording this from a yacht right now. [Chuckle] But let's be honest — many drivers treat turn signals like optional accessories, not critical safety tools.

Today, we're talking about turn signals — or as some people call them, blinkers, indicators, or "that lever no one seems to touch." But it's not just about flicking that stalk up or down. It's about communicating your intentions and reading the body language of vehicles around you.

And here's what's really interesting — once you start paying attention to this stuff, you'll realize that cars are constantly "talking" to each other. The question is: are you listening?

Segment 1: Why signals matter (and why we're so bad at using them)

Turn signals are the most basic form of communication we have as drivers. They let everyone know what we plan to do before we do it. Sounds simple, right?

Well, apparently not simple enough. According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers — and this number is going to blow your mind — drivers fail to use their signals about 48% of the time when changing lanes and 25% when turning. That's nearly half the time for lane changes!

Now, you might think, "Okay, that's annoying, but how dangerous is it really?" Well, that failure to signal contributes to an estimated 2 million crashes per year in the U.S. alone. Two million. That's like the entire population of Houston getting into accidents because someone couldn't be bothered to flip a switch.

Think about it this way: skipping a signal is like skipping a handshake when you meet someone new. It creates confusion and puts people on edge. On the road, that confusion can be dangerous, because other drivers are making split-second decisions based on what they think you're going to do.

I remember my driving instructor telling me, "Your turn signal isn't for you — it's for everyone else." That stuck with me. When you signal, you're not just following a rule; you're participating in this massive, ongoing conversation that keeps all of us safer.

But here's where it gets really interesting — sometimes the absence of a signal tells you more than the presence of one would.

Segment 2: Reading vehicle body language

Signaling isn't just about what you do; it's also about what you observe. And this is where things get fascinating, because vehicles have body language, just like people do.

Let me paint you a picture. You're cruising down the highway, and there's a car in the lane next to you. No signal on, but they're starting to drift toward the lane line. Maybe they're slowing down just a bit, or speeding up to match your speed. Their wheels might be angled slightly toward your lane.

What's happening here? They're about to merge, probably without signaling. Their car is literally leaning into the move before they make it.

Here are some other tells to watch for:

A car slowing near an exit without a signal? They're probably planning to dart over at the last second. I see this every day on my commute — drivers who suddenly realize they need to get off and haven't positioned themselves properly.

Brake taps at odd moments when there's no obvious reason to slow down? That might signal indecision or hidden obstacles ahead that you can't see yet. Maybe they spotted a police car, or there's construction around the bend.

Cars that are weaving slightly within their lane? They're either distracted — possibly on their phone — or they're looking for an opportunity to change lanes.

When you start to watch for these clues, it's like developing a sixth sense. You can anticipate moves before they happen, giving yourself more time to react. And that extra time — even just a second or two — can be the difference between a close call and a smooth drive.

Segment 3: Different signaling styles and driver personalities

Now, here's something I find really amusing. People have different "signaling personalities," almost like different love languages, but for the road.

First, you have the over-signallers. These are the folks who flick on their blinker 20 seconds before they actually move. You'll see their signal going, and you're thinking, "Okay, here they come," but then... nothing. They just keep driving with that blinker going tick-tick-tick. Sometimes they forget to turn it off entirely, and you'll see them drive for miles with their signal on, completely oblivious.

While it can be confusing, at least they're trying to communicate. I actually prefer over-signallers to our next category.

Then you have the last-second signallers. These drivers hit the blinker right as they cross the line, which doesn't really help anyone but themselves. It's like they're checking a box: "Well, technically I signaled." Yeah, technically, but you signaled after you already started moving. That's not communication; that's just going through the motions.

Next, there are the non-signallers. These are the drivers who believe they own the road and think everyone else should just "figure it out." They change lanes like they're playing a video game, weaving in and out with no warning. These are the ones that make your heart skip a beat when they suddenly appear in your blind spot.

And finally, there's the fake-out crowd — drivers who turn the blinker on but keep going straight, or change their mind midway through a lane change. These are the ones that really mess with your head because you're trying to give them space to merge, but then they don't actually merge.

[Pause]

Understanding these styles can help you predict their next move, adjust your following distance, and — here's the important part — stay calm instead of reacting angrily. When you recognize the pattern, it becomes less personal and more predictable.

Segment 4: Anticipation as a defensive tool

This brings us to one of my favorite defensive driving concepts: anticipation. When you anticipate, you buy yourself time. And time is the most valuable currency you have on the road.

Next time you're driving, try playing a mental game with yourself. Look at the car ahead and ask: What's that car likely to do in the next five seconds? Are they slowing down? Are they drifting? Are they approaching a turn with no signal? Are they getting squeezed by traffic around them?

I do this constantly now, and it's amazing how often you can predict what's going to happen. That car that's been riding someone's bumper? They're probably going to try to change lanes soon. The one that's been pacing you in your blind spot? They're either going to speed up or slow down — they're not going to stay there forever.

The delivery truck that's been in the left lane for a while? They're probably going to move right when they get a chance, because they know they don't belong in the passing lane.

Combining this anticipation with generous following distance — remember that 3- to 5-second rule we talked about in earlier episodes — can save you from sudden surprises and keep your ride smoother. It's like having a crystal ball, except the crystal ball is just paying attention to what's already happening around you.

Segment 5: The psychology behind signaling (and why some people don't)

Now, let's talk about the psychology here for a minute, because I think it's fascinating. Why do some people religiously use their signals while others act like the turn signal lever is made of lava?

Some of it comes down to consideration. Using your signal is fundamentally an act of consideration for other drivers. It says, "I'm thinking about how my actions affect you." Non-signallers might not be intentionally rude — they might just be so focused on their own driving that they forget other people are making decisions based on their actions.

But there's also a territorial aspect. Some drivers see signaling as showing weakness or asking permission. They think, "If I signal, someone might speed up and not let me in." And you know what? Sometimes that's true. We've all seen drivers who seem to take a turn signal as a personal challenge.

But here's the thing — signaling isn't asking permission. It's providing information. You're not saying, "May I please change lanes?" You're saying, "I'm about to change lanes, so adjust accordingly."

Segment 6: A challenge for you

This week, I've got a three-part challenge for you:

First, use your turn signal every single time, even in parking lots or when you think no one is around. Make it automatic. The goal is to build the habit so strong that you don't even think about it anymore.

Second, observe other vehicles' "body language" and try to predict their next move. Don't just look at whether they're signaling — look at how they're positioned, their speed relative to traffic, their lane position. Try to predict what they're going to do before they do it.

Third, notice which signaling personality types you encounter during your commute. Are you dealing with over-signallers, last-second signallers, non-signallers, or fake-out artists? And here's the important part — think about which one you might be yourself. We all have blind spots about our own driving.

Keep a mental tally for a week. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Closing

What kind of signaller are you? Let me know by sending an email to freeway traffic export .com 

Drive smart, signal always, and I'll see you next time on Mastering the Commute.

[End with theme music]