Turn Signals.

Perhaps that’s why our insurance rates are so high lol

True for me.... I rarely use them, unless in heavy traffic and I always disengage LKA.    Ever try making a lane change without using your turn signal but with LKA  activated?    Your car will fight you - I don't need that!  😲 😲 

what the hell is LKA ?

In many states, failing to use your turn signals is not just a courtesy — it is a legal violation.  I always use turn signals when turning or changing lanes.

I do too as I expect others to do which is often not the case. 

@100ford2003 Well, that's what GM calls its.... I believe on FoMoCo vehicles it's called "LKS"  = Lane Keeping System.     "LKA"  = Lane Keep Assist.   

About 20 years ago, most OEMs began offering some sort of "lane departure warning"  system.    When a vehicle begins to veer out of lane - WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED -  theses systems (LKA, LKS, etc. ) ASSUME you fell asleep OR became distracted, AND they activate.   Once "on,"  these systems can manifest in various ways:

- Your seat could vibrate.

- You could hear sounds - a loud chime, or bell.

- Warning lights will shine and spoken message could be heard.

- Your steering wheel will "wrestle with you," it will not want to turn.   (This is probably the most common response - and the one that I hate )

Like SO many other "gadgets & gizmos"  found on vehicles today, LKA can be turned off - AND THAT'S WHAT I DO!   😉 😊 😀   That being said, however, whenever long hours of extended driving are required - whereas I could fall asleep - then I will TURN IT BACK ON.  😏 😏 😏 

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter

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"In many states, failing to use your turn signals is not just a courtesy — it is a legal violation." 

Is that right?   I had no idea "big brother"  was that involved.     I mean..... if no cars are near, or in sight, why use it?     - just my two cents.   🤨 🤨 

Years ago, I noticed, in more than one State, that many drivers made lane changes while traveling THROUGH intersections - something I don't do.  😵 😵   

Interestingly, that's NOT A VIOLATION in most States; it's NOT against the law.   

I find that shocking.  😬 😬 😬 

Posted by: @chris

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@100ford2003 Well, that's what GM calls its.... I believe on FoMoCo vehicles it's called "LKS"  = Lane Keeping System.     "LKA"  = Lane Keep Assist.   

About 20 years ago, most OEMs began offering some sort of "lane departure warning"  system.    When a vehicle begins to veer out of lane - WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED -  theses systems (LKA, LKS, etc. ) ASSUME you fell asleep OR became distracted, AND they activate.   Once "on,"  these systems can manifest in various ways:

- Your seat could vibrate.

- You could hear sounds - a loud chime, or bell.

- Warning lights will shine and spoken message could be heard.

- Your steering wheel will "wrestle with you," it will not want to turn.   (This is probably the most common response - and the one that I hate )

 

Like SO many other "gadgets & gizmos"  found on vehicles today, LKA can be turned off - AND THAT'S WHAT I DO!   😉 😊 😀   That being said, however, whenever long hours of extended driving are required - whereas I could fall asleep - then I will TURN IT BACK ON.  😏 😏 😏 

We only differ in that I have been indoctrinated into using my signals religiously for many years. Even when there is no one within eyesight of me - then I feel a little foolish, but it's imbedded habit now.

On the highway I do not turn on Lane Keep Assist. But here in the hills, we have narrow roads and curves that prevent you from seeing what is coming your way until it is on you. Out here I find it invaluable. Not sure Chris, but on the newer systems, mine doesn't fight me; the light changes from green to orange and it 'nudges' the wheel in the direction you need to move it in. I guess I've gotten used to it.

Posted by: @perrone1

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"...the light changes from green to orange and it nudges the wheel in the direction you need to move it in."

Yeah, same here....   when a steering wheel is "nudging"  me in one direction (stay in this lane! ) but I want to go in a different direction (change lanes without using the turn signal ) I call that "fighting with me."       🤨 🤨 

Thank God, I can turn that off - just like "auto stop/start."     I know thousands have gotten used to it, and it's virtually seamless, but THAT drives me nuts too.  🙄 🙄 

Posted by: @chris

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Posted by: @perrone1

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"...the light changes from green to orange and it nudges the wheel in the direction you need to move it in."

Yeah, same here....   when a steering wheel is "nudging"  me in one direction (stay in this lane! ) but I want to go in a different direction (change lanes without using the turn signal ) I call that "fighting with me."       🤨 🤨 

Thank God, I can turn that off - just like "auto stop/start."     I know thousands have gotten used to it, and it's virtually seamless, but THAT drives me nuts too.  🙄 🙄 

Oh yes! That's the first thing I do when I start the car. 

@perrone1   I use turn signals in an empty parking garage.  It's automatic, as I have been using that little lever since I began driving sixty-odd years ago.  It just makes sense to let the world know where I am going, so they can get out of the way in time.

As for all the gizmos you gentlemen have mentioned, I am thankful Mercedes Benz lets me drive the car I paid for, without interference.  After all, I don't drive that much anymore and when I do I want the full package of feeling like I'm at least in control of one thing in my life.

I use my signals all the time, whether I am by myself or in traffic and as for the auto/stop, I also turn it off when I get into the car.

I have a 22 year old car which doesn't have any of this driver assistance stuff, so I am fully in control (or at least I hope I am).

But I recently watched a "police pursuit" video where a car was reported wobbling down the freeway at 60-70 mph and when the cruiser pulled alongside, the driver was seen to be slumped over the wheel, apparently fast asleep. The car was on cruise control and "LKA" and was faithfully staying in lane at a steady speed, just weaving ever so slightly. So I guess if you are feeling a bit sleepy on a long drive it's a nice thing to have (until you miss your turn-off, or a police car pits you ever so gently into the guard rail).

Turn signal or no turn signals that is the question.  I have used turn signal religiously since passing my license exam.  When riding with me on the Beltway around DC years ago my dad would complain. Tick tick… tick tick.  Since COVID and the ignorance of drivers. I hang no turn signal look for an opening and slide in. If you use a blinker they will run up behind you and tailgate some.  They get embarrassed that you caught them not paying attention.