signal

How does one navigate the streets (be it driving, cycling or hoofing it) when a fair number of folks seem to have forgotten their drivers-ed? If they ever even had any to start with. Signalling, that's what I am referring to.

My, my... these poor folks are under the delusion that there are no other cars on the road, that it's all just for them. Sure, they check their blind spots, but then they don't signal?!? I don't get it. Rules of the road, man. And ya don't see the police out there in force handing out tickets for this.

I've tried the little "reminder honk" (not when my husband is in the car mind you) to no avail. Like they haven't got a clue. I've tried my imaginary bazooka that pops out of my hood. I no longer attempt to drive around in front of them and wag my finger and point pointedly at their signal lights. It's too late by then and I look crazy. At least in my car, I have the security of several airbags and a ton of steel should anything really come of it, but as a cyclist or pedestrian, I wouldn't be so lucky.

So is this a broader kind of signal for all of us to pick up on? In this "me, me, me" society, can't we look out for each other just a little bit more? Maybe I should stop bitching and make sure at least I am signalling. Try to care about those on the road behind me and signal my intentions. Maybe that lack of a signal from those other cars means they are stressed, troubled, or depressed and I should give them a break. Fire my bazooka of compassion at them. Take my foot off the accelerator and coast (until someone behind me starts to honk.) Be a leaf in the river of traffic. Save gas. Signal... more... care.