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How often have you been traveling in your vehicle and have seen drivers change lanes or make turns without using their turn signals? Researchers at the Society of Automotive Engineers say that it is probably 48 percent of the time when changing lanes, and 25 percent of the time when making other turns.

Florida Statutes Section 316.155 sets forth the times when turn signals are required. Those times are when vehicles are turning right or left or changing lanes. Drivers must signal their intention to turn at least 100 feet prior to turning or changing lanes. The law is specific in saying that drivers may only make a turn after signaling, not before or while turning.

The Miami Herald reported in June 2017 that a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers study team, Richard Ponziani advocates the programming of turn signal reminders into cars, like seat belt beeps and flashing lights. Mr. Ponziani believes that seat belt usage has increased from 14 to 80 percent over the last 30 years because of the internal programming.

“Wheel speed sensors that detect a turn are already on cars, and it’s a matter of programming the internal computer at negligible cost to have a warning pop up on the display when a driver fails to signal several times in a row,” Ponziani said. “It would condition people, just as the seat belt reminder has. People would learn they have a duty to use it, just as they have a duty to stop at a stop sign, and that it would save lives, just as seat belts save lives. It’s an alert that basically says, ‘Hey, don’t break the law.’”

“Turn signal use is an important factor in keeping drivers and passengers safe. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident, contact us. We have the experience to assist you, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Attorney Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.