OPINION
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It’s getting worse. And while this column is not a simple heckling pulpit, I can stay silent no longer.
I’m talking about blinker neglect. The refusal of an ever-growing number of drivers to use their indicator when changing lanes.
Is it how people are taught to drive? Do we see others doing it and decide ‘hey, why do I need to be the only one?’
It’s hard not link this selfish behaviour with another contemporary custom – the way we live inside our own bubbles, heads in our phones, deaf to our surroundings.
For it’s a phenomenon which doesn’t seem dominated by any particular demographic group or cheap driver stereotype.
The wannabe tradie in the huge Navara helps himself to your lane without a blinker.
If you can’t see me in this truck you’d better get your eyes checked.
And some real tradies in work utes don’t waste time with blinkers.
Mate I’m working. Gotta knock off at 3.
But the school-run mum in the glam SUV can also be a blinker neglecter.
Haven’t I got enough on my mind already?
And the young P-plater weaving through lanes in the flashy hatch has no need for such old-person habits.
They knew where I was going, and I’m a better driver anyway.
The tailgating bully in the V8 ute who zooms up like a tiger shark does it too.
Speed I’m going, it doesn’t make a difference if I’m indicating or not.
And the elegant lady going the perfect 2km/h over the speed limit can’t let clicking sounds disrupt the smooth ride of her Lexus.
It’s not a Toyota, alright? Not. A. Toyota.
That’s just a few driving species. Blinker neglect extends across all sorts.
Of course you aren’t any of these people. But if you are, let’s get this straight: treating other road users like they don’t exist is a recipe for someone getting hurt.
Are you really too important to let other drivers know where you’re going?