Sending clear signals

It always strikes me as a bit strange that we Arkansans look forward so much to the newest high-tech items when so many of us have as yet not mastered the simple technology of turn-signal use. Since we have noticed that even a large number of drivers of law enforcement vehicles are included in that non-signaling group, perhaps most have never been trained in the use of turn signals. So today our lesson will be on how to use turn signals.

Look on the left side of your steering column and you will find a little control lever/stalk. If you are planning to make a right turn, push that lever up until you feel a click. Planning a left turn, push the lever down until you feel a click. After your turn is completed the lever will usually return to the center position on its own. Pretty cool, huh? If you notice that you still have an arrow blinking on your dash after the turn’s completed you will need to manually return the lever to its center position. You have probably noticed many times a vehicle driving for blocks or even miles with one taillight blinking; these are usually folks that have not completed their turn signal training.

OK, now we get a little more complicated—lane-change signaling. To let other drivers know that you wish to change lanes, you will need to use that stalk on the left side of the steering column again. Only this time you will only move the lever part-way up or down, not locking it in place as opposed to your turn signal use training. The lever/stalk is spring-loaded and will return to its center position when you release it after you have let it blink a few times before and during your lane change.

I realize that this is all new to many of you, but just keep practicing and it will soon become a normal part of driving for you. I think that is about all the lessons most of you can handle at one time, so we’ll put off lessons on “driving on your own side of the road” for later. JOHN A. YATES Conway