Using Your Turn Signals

Cherilyn Alder in Aliso Viejo, California, writes:

I’ve observed that about half of all freeway drivers don’t use their turn signals before changing lanes. I want to be warned before a vehicle changes lanes to get in front of me. I don’t understand why people don’t signal, as signaling helps to ensure the safety not only of other drivers, but of themselves, too. Why do so many drivers not use their turn signals for lane changes?

Marilyn responds:

It’s possible that they just don’t know any better. I, for one, would like to see a refreshment of driver knowledge mandated as part of driver license renewals. This need not take the form of a test. For example, drivers who want to renew their licenses could be required to sit down and read a specially-written manual for this purpose and then certify that they have done so.