Do youi heed the flashing indicators on cars?

[sandyRoe]

Just a few minutes ago I saw a young woman, a student, miss death by inches. She was on a bicycle coming out of a side street. An approaching car had its indicator flashing to show it was going to turn into that same street. It didn't, but went straight on.
Both the cyclist and the motorist were at fault. The woman on the bike was very lucky.

[bednobs]

the cyclist was at fault. I wouldn't trust an indicator until either they start turning, or i have seen them put it on

[Mosaic]

I seldom trust if turning into the path, for the very reasons you describe.

[mccfluff]

no i bloody do't. i have frequent near missed getting to work as the idiots either don't indicate off the roundabout or start indicating too soon

[craft1948]

I used to live off a very busy main road, I would sit at the traffic lights, check the road was clear and turn on my indicator for a left turn..........after going through the lights I would sit blocking the road whilst all the sodding cyclists overtook on the inside going straight on.

[chelle7272]

No they rarely use them correctly and it would be too risky round here!

[Lakitu]

I don't trust indicators and I seem to remember my driving instructor saying something along the lines that if I pulled out because a car was indicating and they didn't turn and hit me, I'd be the one at fault because indicators are a guide, not the rule.....or something like that (it was a few years ago!).

[carlton23]

Cyclists are mainly those whom have taken the MOT test and failed miserably, and like to make good drivers crap themselves.

[cazzz1975]

I do heed the flashing indicators on cars, however I have learnt that quite often people misuse the indicator function, so generally I tend to approach them with caution.

[ichkeria]

A "good driver" isn't one who makes a misleading indication.
sandyRoe is right: both were at fault.

[albaqwerty]

I don't trust anything on wheels.
If the driver has no idea that their indicator was flashing, they shouldn't be on the road.

[Lakitu]

Can't agree more with albaqwerty. I know we're human and we make mistakes, but you've really got to wonder about some people. Those who drive without their lights on...how can they not notice their dashboard (and therefore speedo) is pitch black? :|

[Zeuhl]

<<Cyclists are mainly those whom have taken the MOT test and failed miserably>>

Confused?

The MOT test is for motor vehicle mechanical safety not a person's driving proficiency.

[albaqwerty]

Having said which tho, I finished work at 11pm, pulled into a petrol station, engine off, lights off, the usual routine, goes to pay for the go-juice, pulls out of petrol station, which was beautifully lit and didn't realise until a few minutes later I hadn't put my lights on.

Just round the bend, the coppers were approaching, the biggest sigh of relief I can tell you :D

[Old_Geezer]

If you wish to stay safe you take the indicators only as a possible intent. They fail to cancel automatically too often for it to be sensible to trust them explicitly. It's no point lying in your coffin trying to complain the vehicle was showing it was turning so you were in the right.

[rsvp]

have learned to live with 'what's wrong with you, I'm indicating aren't I' looks when waiting to join a main road - I wait until the turn is in progress then I pull out. My life, my responsibility.

[LoftyLottie]

I never trust indicators either. I wait until I am sure where people intend going.

[Old_Geezer]

Besides what if the situation had been that the driver was indicating it was pulling in and stopping just after the junction ? IMO it would have been a misleading signal since it is only given to inform others, and it failed to do so spectacularly; but again if you assume it means a left turn, you may not live to regret it.

[missnemesis]

I never assume that what a driver is indicating = what they are actually going to do. Too many drivers don't use their indicators properly so I for one hang back and wait until they have at least started their manoeuvre.