Have you noticed that when you drive the streets of Sioux Falls and the tri-state area that people seem to view turn signal use as optional?

Believe me I can relate to how grueling it is to lift one's hand all the way up to that little signal lever and flip it up or pull it down.  Why should we have to go to all this inconvenience.  Sure it might save some lives but we got rights, right!

Here's what the State of South Dakota's website says about turn signal usage:

32-15-13.   Directional turn signals required--Misdemeanor--Motorcycles and agricultural vehicles excepted.

According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers: "Turn signal neglect is causing millions of crashes per year and may be more dangerous than distracted driving."

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that about 950,000 crashes are the direct result of distracted driving (driving while texting, talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, etc.).  While approximately 2 million crashes per year occur as a direct result of people not using turn signals.

Sioux Falls Police Lt. Loren McManus describes your obligation this way: "Before making a turn state law requires a signal be given. It can be a hand signal or a device approved by the Dept of Public Safety" (your vehicles blinker system). Obviously signaling your intention to turn is not only a common courtesy, it also helps prevent crashes!"

So you don't drink and drive.  You wear your seatbelts.  You don't text and drive.  But are you ALWAYS using your turn signal when you are supposed to?

Do you ALWAYS use your turn signal when turning your vehicle or changing lanes?  Do you think it's ALWAYS necessary?

Maybe you are just too busy to use turn signals?  Maybe you are just too important?  Maybe you should be punched in the head?

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