passing signal

As my insurance agent told my sons when they started driving: When you see a turn signal activated on an on-coming vehicle, it only means that their turn signal works.

Precisely.

It seems to be a regional thing in Mexico about using the left turn signal to let you know that it is safe to pass, it is also not allowed to block traffic from behind while waiting to turn left if there is a parallel frontage road or spot to pull off on the right. I usually stop and wait unless I can clearly see ahead.

As my insurance agent told my sons when they started driving: When you see a turn signal activated on an on-coming vehicle, it only means that their turn signal works.

rv2go wrote:

TucsonJim wrote:
The problem with that is you don't know if the trucker may be trying to pass or turn left themself. I personally want to make the decision for myself, and don't want to rely on the judgment of another driver.

I agree with this.

sch911 wrote:

F450 wrote:
I understand that in Mexico the truckers turn on their left signal to let you know that it is safe to pass. We in the US. ought to start doing that.

Wrong! It should only be up to the vehicle doing the passing. This is the only safe way. I have no problem passing trucks even in my Motor Home, but many others need allot of help....

X2

X2

I trust no one else to make my decisions as to if it is safe to pass. Passing with a trailer in tow, you are the one needing to be making decision.

Eons of years ago, I remember when cars used to let the driver behind them know it was safe to pass.... then that went away...then it came to flashing someone it was safe to pull back in front of you. It seems that has gone away, too. Where does the responsibility lie if you flashed your lights, the truck or car pulls back in and then some jerk cuts in front of you and the vehicle you signaled swipes them? I gave up doing that. I just slow down, the driver can make his(her) decision when to change lanes for whatever reason.

It is a curtesy thing, which ther Is not to moch of now, this don't mean you have to stop using your own judgement.
Frank.

I don't think there are any laws other than "assured clear distance" which is kind of undefined except on an accident report, and then its too late. I try to follow what I see the majority of semi drivers do. If I'm passing, I flip my left turn signal on, make sure I have enough space between me and the vehicle behind me as well as the one in front of me, then pull out, pass, flip my right turn signal on and pull back in line. Its sometimes difficult to tell if the toad also has enough room to pull back in. Most RVs and almost all semis will flash their headlights when I'm clear to pull back into the right lane. I do the same.

NEVER trust signals from another vehicle! Make your own decisions before doing anything. Anything else is a invitation to disaster. However, many drivers are trying to help you by some type of signals. Try to observe these, and act accordingly, especially if they are indicating that they are giving you the right-of-way.

Now you know why I don't drive in Mexico!

What a dumb thing to do as you (as has been said) if they are indicating they are passing, turning left or what.

F450 wrote:
I understand that in Mexico the truckers turn on their left signal to let you know that it is safe to pass. We in the US. ought to start doing that.

Wrong! It should only be up to the vehicle doing the passing. This is the only safe way. I have no problem passing trucks even in my Motor Home, but many others need allot of help....

If it goes wrong will the truck driver assume any responsibility? It's all on the person that is doing the passing. I do understand what you are saying, maybe the truck driver is sitting much higher up etc, but still bad idea to me. Just like if someone flashes their lights that it's ok for me to move over after I pass them. It's still on me to be sure it's ok to move over. If I did clip them I will be at fault either way.