Why Do We Need Front Indicators?

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind) 09/06/2015 at 20:55 • Filed to: Indicators

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I understand indicators in the rear of vehicles, on the sides, and for hazards, but I just don’t understand the point of them when they are only visible from the front of the vehicle.

Whether you’re making a left or right turn, oncoming traffic isn’t impacted by your indicators. If you’re behind someone they hopefully won’t change their speed once they see your indicators. Really, other than for hazard lights, I can’t think of a reason front indicators are essential. Rear, without a doubt. Indicators that are visible to vehicles in your blind spot or side, please yes. Visible to those directly in front though? Help me out, I’m missing the obvious here.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 20:58

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Intersections...

CB > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 20:59

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Pedestrians. People looking in their mirrors. Those are the two obvious ones I can think of.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:00

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Saturn Aura!

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:00

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Front indicators are helpful for oncoming traffic. I like to know when some yahoo is potentially planning on pulling out in front of me. Also helpful when pulling out of a side street to know if someone is going to make a right or a left onto the same street to help judge when you can make a turn.

SirDrivesAlot (now with hybrid powerrrr) > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:00

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Thre is a street near me where you can either go straight or make a left turn, Helps to know what the intentions of other drivers is.... If only they would use their turn signals.

Wobbles the Mind > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/06/2015 at 21:01

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You don’t have right of way for left turns, so you aren’t a concern to oncoming traffic unless you turn into them. If you’re making a right turn, only those making a left would care and they would still need to wait for you. I might need more to get this.

My citroen won't start > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:01

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Turnin’

Wobbles the Mind > jvirgs drives a Subaru 09/06/2015 at 21:02

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I guess because I’m from the “never trust a turner” generation it helps to prep but I still don’t unless I see the vehicle angle change.

Wobbles the Mind > CB 09/06/2015 at 21:07

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I definitely see the convenience, just not the necessity. Like indicators in the sideview mirrors seem to work perfectly for all these situations. The very front, say like on Challenger, I can’t see the need. I guess what I’m really saying is that indicators should be manitory on the sideview mirrors and/or side of vehicles.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:07

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Have you ever driven a car?

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:07

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Oh I don’t either, I always wait for them to begin their turn. I always get pissed off at drivers who refuse to signal when making right turns, especially on busy roads, because I can’t prepare to make a turn.

Wobbles the Mind > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/06/2015 at 21:08

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Ha! Honestly that last generation of Saturns have aged very well (if they are clean).

Wobbles the Mind > My citroen won't start 09/06/2015 at 21:10

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Of course, it’s so simple! I definitely get that, I’m just not sure the front bumper is better than the placement into the sideview mirrors or fenders.

TA4K > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:10

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Roundabouts. Not common in the US but just about everywhere else they are a dime a dozen. You need to know which way oncoming traffic is turning to correctly apply the give way rules.

smobgirl > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:10

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Yeah, but at 4-way stops if you're turning left and not signaling (especially since those who don't signal tend to not give way, either) it can cause accidents that other people are less able to avoid.

Wobbles the Mind > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/06/2015 at 21:11

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Only a BMW among other BMWs.

smobgirl > CB 09/06/2015 at 21:11

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I'll second for pedestrians and cyclists. Easier for me to not get killed when other people are courteous.

My citroen won't start > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:12

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Cars coming in the opposite direction, Cars in front, not all cars have mirror indicators.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:12

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one reason would be to let oncoming traffic know of what you’re doing at an intersection because yes, there are intersections with no stop-signs. if you’re coming up to a 4-way and the car coming from in front of you doesn’t indicate, you have to stop in case they decide to turn in front of you. by using their front indicators, they let you know what you should do; meaning you can go through if they don’t turn in front of you.

Another reason to have them is if you are broken down on a two-lane road, oncoming traffic can see your blinkers, and will know (more or less) what’s going on. this is especially useful at night as most cars’ lights don’t stay on if you pull the key out of the ignition, but the indicators will keep blinking.

the third reason is for overtaking purposes. if you’re driving behind someone on a road, and you intend to pass them, you usually don’t want them attempting to pass the guy in front of them at the exact same. most normal drivers (not regarding the U.S. where I’ve seen that most drivers have less brain power than the average squirrel) would glance in their rear-view before making an overtaking maneuver themselves.

Theses are a few I can think of off the top of my head

Svend > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:12

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Not sure if serious!!!!!

It's to indicate to oncoming traffic, pedestrians and other road users your intention to turn in the indicated direction. Especially useful for roundabouts to road users about to enter the roundabout.

Wobbles the Mind > jvirgs drives a Subaru 09/06/2015 at 21:13

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I figured as much. I think I was unclear on this post. What I meant to get at is why do we need indicators in the front of vehicles (like Challengers) when indicators in the front of sideview and/or fenders are always visible, regardless of other vehicles blocking the front end from view.

gnarsinski > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:13

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There are plenty of times when its helpful to know someone else’s intentions. When traffic has the right of way at a “Y” intersection, and those coming into the top of the “Y” can go if they know traffic is going right. Or I may be more inclined to let someone out of a side street if I can tell which way they are turning and if its easier for them just to get out of the way.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:17

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This explains alot

Wobbles the Mind > TA4K 09/06/2015 at 21:17

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This is my fault, I didn’t refine my thought before posting. What I meant to say is that I don’t understand why we have indicators in the front of vehicles that you can’t see from the side or if other vehicles are in front of them (think a Dodge Challenger). Sideview mirrors are nearly always visible, and lights on the front fenders aI’d visibility far more than the front bumper, especially as we more into LEDs which are plenty bright.

The World of Vee > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:19

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ahh so you’ve never used an indicator period

understood

Wobbles the Mind > My citroen won't start 09/06/2015 at 21:20

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I’m mostly getting at as we move forward, LED indicators intrigrated into the sideview mirrors and fenders would always visible as compared to in the very front of flat faced vehicles, where the indicators can be lost be a vehicle being in front of them.

The World of Vee > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:21

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wait a minute. BMW among other BMWs

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-bought-a-thi…

kia and jeep.

what?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > The World of Vee 09/06/2015 at 21:22

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Yeah, what?

Wobbles the Mind > Svend 09/06/2015 at 21:24

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I didn’t refine this question so my apologies. I mean why do we still require indicators in the front of vehicles that are only visible when you are directly in front of them (think Challenger front end). With LEDs in the sideview mirrors (which are rarely covered by vehicles being in front of that vehicle) and the front fenders, we get something that essentially would work better for all these situations.

ranwhenparked > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:25

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Changing lanes on highways. It’s nice to know when the guy behind you is about to move over to pass the slow truck in front, so you don’t do the same thing at the same time and smack into him.

Wobbles the Mind > The World of Vee 09/06/2015 at 21:26

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Just Joshin’ around, don’t worry. Please don’t post my Social Security Number. I didn’t refine my question before asking so I’m paying for it now.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:27

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It’s just always helpful to be able to know what another driver is trying to do, rather than trying to read their mind.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:28

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SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:29

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Just use your damn indicators. It’s the law

Wobbles the Mind > ranwhenparked 09/06/2015 at 21:31

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I’m all for that. I didn’t refine my question before posting so it’s creating confusion. What I meant was that I don’t understand why indicators in the front of sideview mirrors and fenders haven’t replaced the need for indicators in flat faced vehicles such as Challengers, Mustangs, and Camaros. It’s gets the indicator visible at the widest portions of the vehicles so you can see them even when a vehicle is in front of them. So say you are driving and have an Explorer behind you and then a Mustang, you would be able to see the indicators on both vehicles rather than just the one directly behind you (assuming everyone isn’t riding bumpers of course).

Wobbles the Mind > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/06/2015 at 21:34

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Sorry it was a bad joke utilizing the BMW driver steroetype. Don’t worry, I don’t own anything German, though I do have more vehicles than the Rio and Jeep.

smobgirl > TA4K 09/06/2015 at 21:34

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I don’t think people in the US signal when leaving a roundabout. At least in Colorado they don’t!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > My citroen won't start 09/06/2015 at 21:35

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Wheel in the Sky, baby!

smobgirl > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:35

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If I'm running and facing oncoming traffic, the current front indicators are much more obvious than what you're describing.

Wobbles the Mind > The World of Vee 09/06/2015 at 21:36

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I kid of course, just to be clear. I forget that there are areas in the country where BMWs are as common as HR-Vs and Escapes.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:36

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Are they a Miata, a CL63, and an IS250?

JDMatt > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:38

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Do you use your mirrors before you change lanes?

Svend > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 21:39

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Okay.

You could ask why North America needs amber reflectors on the front and rear corners of the car while few if any other countries have them.

Why do cars have daylight running lights when you can only see them if looking directly at the visibly and actually large one and a half ton vehicle they are attached to.

The front indicators are not just for traffic but others such as pedestrians who intend to cross the road that is in the direction you wish to turn. Also to allow oncoming traffic to let you go in your intended direction if their own progress is impedded.

Wobbles the Mind > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 09/06/2015 at 21:41

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I kid of course. I’m among those that have needed to replace a turn signal stalk (though that was more likely an issue of build quality than usage).

Wobbles the Mind > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/06/2015 at 21:43

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No, no. Trust me, if they were worth mentioning all of you would have heard about them. One is a Kia Amanti on 20’ wheels. I think there is a post of that on here. But yeah, not really Oppo material.

Wobbles the Mind > JDMatt 09/06/2015 at 21:45

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Why use mirrors when you can floor it? I kid, I forgot sarcasm isn’t a font so I’m confusing people.

The World of Vee > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/06/2015 at 21:48

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don’t forget the R500 4matic for the kids

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > The World of Vee 09/06/2015 at 21:49

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Kids or parents?

Wobbles the Mind > Svend 09/06/2015 at 21:50

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All of that is perfect. I just think that we are past a need for indicators to be required in the front bumpers when LEDs in the sideview mirrors and front fenders allow for increased visibility of the indicators in all these situations. I shot myself in the foot when I didnt take the time to refine this post and clear up my intentions.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > The World of Vee 09/06/2015 at 21:56

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R63 or bust bro

TA4K > smobgirl 09/06/2015 at 22:21

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It’s not just leaving a roundabout, its entering too. If you are coming towards me and turning across me, I need to know that so I can give way to you. Otherwise I would assume you are going straight ahead and enter the roundabout in your path.

5-Speed Gangsta > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 22:23

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Changing lanes: if someone is changing behind or next to you it’s nice to speed up a little to let them in. 4 way stop signs: if two people approach and one is turning, the other may yield the right of way which they might not do if the person isn’t turning. Any turning: sometimes it seems pointless like when someone is making a right turn onto the street your on because you usually can’t see the signal, but the more you inform other drivers, the safer the world becomes.

TA4K > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 22:25

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But it is the visibility to the other cars, not the visibility of the first car. I agree with having indicators that you can see from the side but a lot of cars have been doing this for a long time. Having it just on the wing mirror limits visibility on some cars when viewed from the other side of the car, especially with some cars where the mirror sits behind the A pillar (Peugeot springs to mind).

Autofixation > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 22:38

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I deal with an intersection every day where it helps to know if people are turning right onto the road that I am on so that I can pull out sooner.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 22:55

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They’re useful in T intersections, I guess. If you’re waiting to merge and someone comes up blinking, you know you don’t need to wait because the other guy isn’t going straight through.

smobgirl > TA4K 09/06/2015 at 23:01

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There's only one way to go when entering a roundabout though...?

TA4K > smobgirl 09/06/2015 at 23:04

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Uhm.. No there are some here with 6 exits, usually 4 or 3.

TA4K > TA4K 09/06/2015 at 23:05

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You have to signal so I know if you are going to cross my path, so I know to give way.

smobgirl > TA4K 09/06/2015 at 23:09

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Yeah, but you said you need to signal on entering. You can only go right. Everyone can only go right. Signaling would be redundant. And most of ours are only one lane wide, so it would only be necessary to signal on exit.

(Also your first comment refers to oncoming traffic in a roundabout, so I’m thoroughly confused at this point)

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 23:09

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Having read your response to others questions, imagine approaching a 4-way stop. You’re attempting to make a right turn. There’s a car sitting to the left. They have the right of way over you because they got there first, but you don’t know if they’re about to go straight through or if they’re waiting their turn to make a left turn, because you can’t see the turn signal on the mirror on the other side of the car. If you knew they were signalling and traffic was clear, then you could make a quick right turn instead of waiting for someone who isn’t in your way.

If there's one scenario, there’s going to be another.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Wobbles the Mind 09/06/2015 at 23:20

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Also helpful for pedestrians trying to figure out a driver’s intentions.

TA4K > smobgirl 09/06/2015 at 23:57

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If the orange car is going straight, it does not indicate and the red car can use this as an opportunity to go. If it is turning left, (right of the image), then it indicates that way and the yellow car can go. If it is turning right, it indicates that way and both the yellow and red cars have to give way. If there was no indicating, everyone would be mucking around waiting until people exited the roundabout to go, and nobody would know when to give way and when to go. Its all about being able to change your actions based on what you know the other cars are going to do.

smobgirl > TA4K 09/07/2015 at 00:15

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That’s still signaling to EXIT the roundabout. This whole discussion began because you were talking about signaling on ENTRY. The yellow and red cars can only go left, in this case. There’s. No need for them to signal as the Orange car already knows where they are trying to go. Now if one of them has their right blinker on there’s obviously a bigger problem.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/07/2015 at 02:54

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It’s a Sky...

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 09/07/2015 at 02:58

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Oh.