Where Are All The Flashers?

"WHERE ARE ALL THE FLASHERS?"

SHERRI LAURIER




The next time you drive through the streets of your town, look for flashers. They should be everywhere, but I’ll bet you won’t spot too many… Get your mind out of the gutter – I’m talking turn signals here!

Flashers - blinkers - turn signals - whatever name you call them, are rarely viewed in public anymore. I believe most drivers don’t remember their introduction to this nearly extinct mechanical species. And those who do remember still seem to prefer to let them remain inoperative, lifeless and dark.

Drivers, please! This is a personal plea from one who cares; from one individual who can no longer tolerate the self-inflicted ignorance of those who refuse to acknowledge their signals. I’d like to be the one who rings in a Renaissance Era for flashers.

You, as an operator of a motor vehicle, know you have a responsibility to others, to drive safely and stay alive. And naturally, watch for the mistakes of all those other drivers. But do you realize you’re not the only one on the road? And are you positively certain that you will always be able to react before it’s too late? Sure, there are cars in front of you and beside you that can be monitored to a degree. But what about behind you? Your rear-view mirror can be helpful only to a certain degree. The rest is guesswork. Just for a moment, picture the following scenario:

You’re driving along a main city street at a safe speed. You plan to turn right at the next intersection. There are no traffic lights, but the road is fairly clear. You begin your turn and – w h a m – you get hit from the rear. You are shaken and your car is damaged, but also very lucky you were not more severely injured, or even killed. There was a car travelling at a faster rate of speed towards you and had no warning of your intention to turn. All because you didn’t flash…

Another common example would be:

Your car is the first stopped at a red light. As it turns green, you slowly start forward, but need to make a left. However, the first car opposite you at the light believes you will be driving straight ahead and slams right into your car as you begin to turn. S m a s h… Again, you didn’t flash. Who’s fault is the accident? Shameful, isn’t it?

The use of blinkers has become almost obsolete. Such a necessity cannot afford the luxury of not working. Lives are at stake and people don’t care. A sad fact, but nonetheless, a reality.

The non-usage of flashers can indicate the driver of a vehicle has no sense of caution, concern or responsibility. Many are of the opinion that, "I’m a careful driver, so I’ll be fine." You cannot assume every other driver is as safety-minded as you are. The simple act of changing lanes on the highway could prove treacherous. Never mind the safety factor for the moment; the driver with no signals has no concern for other drivers and passengers. Moreover, that driver lacks the common courtesy one should be required to have to drive. The lack of flashers is also an indication that the driver is probably apathetic and/or selfish in their operation a motor vehicle.

This disgraceful omission deserves to be brought to the attention of drivers everywhere. We must alert ourselves as to the dangers which could materialize. Signals are imperative components of a vehicle; but more than that, they serve to save lives. They were created for a particular function, and their role in driving is not being fulfilled. There are enough hazards already existing on the roads. We don’t need to add to the long list of unnecessary risks, accidents and deaths.

Driving is an opportunity to experience a certain kind of independence. But most of all, it is a privilege. This is what most people seem to forget too quickly and too easily. We are tested, entrusted, authorized and licensed to drive on public roads with caution, safety and compassion rightfully expected. In this age of everyday wrecklessness, we must force our own awareness and re-education.

If I can reach but a few with this plea, my intentions will be satisfied. If more drivers heed, my purpose fulfilled. I shall never fully realize the effectiveness of my appeal, but surely someone will listen, learn and understand.

So remember: even if you don’t see others flashing, why don’t you? Go on – let those blinkers blink for all to see, day and night. Maybe others will start flashing back… and isn’t that the whole idea?!!?