Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- It’s just a flick of your wrist, but lots of drivers aren’t using their blinkers to switch lanes, which is causing a serious hazard on our roadways.
According to new research, drivers fail to use their turn signals two billion times a day, causing two million accidents every year – more than double that of distracted driving.
It’s not just the law. Using your blinker is common courtesy, but not everyone on the road is so courteous.
“Somebody just swerves in front of you…or takes a blind left turn and suddenly you’re forced to stop,” explained Syracuse driver, David Coryell.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 48 percent of the time drivers fail to use their blinker when changing lanes and 25 percent of the time drivers fail to use them when making turns.
Last year in Syracuse, 1,100 citations were given out to drivers who didn't use their turn signals.
Syracuse Police say driving and talking on your cell phone is still the bigger issue; however, not using your blinker is certainly a symptom of distracted driving.
“Driving is a multi-faceted task. You have to use your hands, your legs, your brains and your eyes in scanning and stuff... things start dropping off as you divide up that attention,” said Syracuse Police Captain Shannon Trice.
So, what about drivers who use their blinkers and leave them on for miles? That too can be a hazard.
"There is no law saying you have to turn your turn signal off. So those people that are so frustrated driving down the road, that leave their blinker on, there's nothing you can really do about it,” Cpt. Trice said.
The Society of Automotive Engineers is pushing for automakers to use “smart-turn signal” technology, which would automatically turn your blinker off if it was left on for too long and alert you if you make too many turns without your blinker.
