turn signals? (Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville: how much, live, law)

[citydweller]

I have visited Raleigh a few times over the last couple of months and I was surprised at the lack of use of turn signals! Is this a (more?) southern thing? Is Charlotte the same? LOL. Seriously, here in So Va probably 1/3 of folks use theirs (which my northern friend yells about all the others) but down there it seems to be a rarity which is funny considering how many people are moving there from somewhere else. I guess all the foreigners are adopting the no-signal policy.

[mm34b]

I've noticed that too. Be prepared for a turn at anytime in NC, signal or no signal.

[hapaleeretired]

They cannot reach to turn on the signal because they are holding a cell phone to their ear!
It is not a law in NC requiring the use of signals which I feel is moronic.

[CharlotteAgent]

turn signals? What is that? Phones ringing be right back

[EnglishCream]

It's my biggest pet peeve since I moved to this state, 10 years ago. It's as if people think they're an option they could add on to their new car, and since they never added it, they don't have to use them. It's never enforced, and police are some of the biggest offenders, at least here in Asheville. I've lived in a lot of parts of the country, and all in all I like NC, but it has some of the laziest, poorest drivers I've come across.

[south.charlotte&union]

What's really odd is I think it's catching...my husband used to use turn signals in NY, but now sometimes he doesn't . Not sure what that's all about.

[BigHouse9]

Turn signals and slow drivers in the left lane. I find driving in NC to be quite the adventure.

[Packer Fan]

I posted the following in the Raleigh forum.... All meant in good fun!

Observations from a new NC resident on NC drivers:

1) Turn signals are not only an option, they are ILLEGAL

2) Dont just slow down over rail road tracks on a hiway... come to a complete stop. Sorry but I dont think your 1979 Ford Escort will fall apart going over the railroad tracks. Maybe it will.....

3) (on rural roads) Drive at least 10 MPH UNDER the speed limit so that traffic builds up for a mile behind you.

4) Wave at your neighbors (this is a GOOD thing!)

5) Red lights? We dont need no stinkin red lights. They are only for the suggestion to stop, or the inviation to see how much pickup the ol' car has while leaving a cloud of rust and soot behind you.

On the other hand......

6) When you have actually stopped at a red light.... day dream until the light is yellow again.... then hit the gas so you are the only person to get through the light. (again with the rust and soot thing....)

7) Why use the right lane in a multi lane hiway? People are more comfortable in using the left lane, no matter the speed. Perhaps we should rename the left lane: For use by people that have a cell phone implanted in their heads. I have nicknamed them "Left-laner-no-brainers". (Oh, this one applies to every state in the Union)

8) And when you do get the chance to pass someone.... they will speed up with you, up to the speed of light. Even though they were doing 10 MPH a second ago.

9) Stop for all pedestrians in the walk way (again a GOOD thing!)

10) If you are a police officer, feel free to run at 120 MPH without your lights on. TWICE!

Yes I have seen all of the above. All meant in good fun! Execept #10 which I had to call the officers license plate in.

[enlightenme]

Many people also tailgate, pull out right in front of you and slow down to merge onto a highway. I have noticed my husband is now getting the attitude if 'no one else is using his/her turn signal, why should I' and it is driving me crazy! I am determined to continue using mine.

[BigHouse9]

9) Stop for all pedestrians in the walk way (again a GOOD thing!)

I don't find anyone in the Raleigh area who will do this. I cannot tell you how many times I have almost been roadkill in a parking lot!