Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
We all know the frustration of driving down the highway and another vehicle unexpectedly turns or swerves into our lane. It is as if these drivers expect us to know exactly what they are about to do without using their turn signal. Even the simplest task of using a blinker is ignored by many drivers every single day.
Indicators are there to serve a purpose. This is why the law requires all vehicles to be equipped with signal lamps. They allow drivers to communicate their intentions with other drivers when navigating through traffic. When you properly use your signal, other drivers on the road can carefully slow down, move lanes, or make room for you in order to prevent a car accident. A good rule of thumb is to use your blinker at least five seconds before turning or switching lanes in order to warn other vehicles of your intentions.
There are many excuses as to why drivers do not use their blinkers. It may be forgetfulness, laziness, or just a lack of courtesy. But, using your blinker is not just the considerate thing to do, it serves as a warning. You should never expect that other drivers know your next move. You should be cautious and use your blinker when turning, merging lanes, passing other vehicles, exiting, and even pulling into or out of a parking spot.
La. R.S. §32:104 provides that:
B. Whenever a person intends to make a right or left turn … he shall give a signal of such intention … not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
D. Signals shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes or start from a parked position and shall not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle, or flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.
According to a study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), over 25% of drivers fail to use their signal when turning, and 48% of drivers fail to signal before changing lanes. Overall, drivers who fail to use their indicators account for over 2 million car accidents per year. Just think if a couple million accidents could have been avoided by a simple blinker.
The consequences of not using your blinker does not only affect you; it will also affect other drivers around you. A collision resulting from failing to use your blinker may result in personal and property damage to both parties. A driver who is a victim to your mistake may make claims against you for personal injury, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. If the car accident was a result of you not using your blinker, you will be held liable.
If you do not do so already, make it a habit to use your blinker 100% of the time. It could save a life.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident as a result of another driver’s carelessness, do not hesitate to contact us today. For a free consultation, PHONE CARDONE at 504-522-3333, 225-706-3920 (Baton Rouge office) or email us at ccardone@cardonelaw.com.