Is Turning Right with Left Turn Signal a Chinese Characteristic?

[VanBentley]

Turning right with the left turn signal is not a Chinese characteristic. Below are specific explanations about turn signals: 1. Meaning: Turn signals are important indicator lights activated when motor vehicles turn to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal tubes use xenon lamps, controlled by a single-chip microcomputer circuit, flashing alternately left and right continuously. Turn signals employ flashers to achieve light blinking, mainly categorized into resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type. 2. Structural Principle: The resistance wire type can be further divided into hot wire type (electrothermal) and wing type (spring type), while the electronic type includes hybrid (relay with contacts and electronic components) and fully electronic (without relay). For example, the spring-type flasher utilizes the thermal effect principle of current, using thermal expansion and contraction as power to create sudden movements in the spring piece, thereby connecting and disconnecting contacts to achieve light blinking.

[OEdward]

I find this question quite interesting. Having driven for ten years myself, I've encountered several instances where someone signaled left but suddenly turned right. Honestly, this isn't unique to China. During my trips to the US and Canada, I witnessed similar mishaps on their streets too. The main reasons are usually driver negligence—perhaps due to fatigue from prolonged driving or last-minute route changes without bothering to adjust the signal. In Shenzhen, I've seen many young drivers in a hurry pull this stunt, nearly causing rear-end collisions. Driving is no trivial matter; improper signaling can easily mislead others and lead to accidents in the blink of an eye. This behavior exists globally, even in European countries with long-standing driving traditions. So let's avoid stereotypes—the key is to stay vigilant and cultivate good habits: always double-check your turn signal direction before maneuvering, because safety outweighs convenience a hundredfold.

[DeAmir]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed countless cases of turn signal misuse. Signaling left but turning right? This isn't just a China problem; I've seen similar situations on streets in North America and Europe too. It usually stems from driver carelessness or force of habit, especially in busy urban areas where people neglect rules when in a hurry. I remember seeing a car on California freeway flashing left signal before suddenly turning right, forcing me to slam the brakes. This behavior knows no borders - it fundamentally reflects inadequate driver training or personal laziness. The core risk lies in creating confusion that affects trailing vehicles' judgment, easily triggering chain-reaction accidents. I strongly recommend driving schools worldwide to strengthen turn signal operation practice. This isn't about national boundaries but represents a universal driving mistake. Always stay focused when driving - don't let one second of carelessness compromise safety.

[EllaDella]

As a woman who often drives my family around, I was also curious if signaling left before turning right was a uniquely Chinese phenomenon. But in daily life, I've found this isn't exclusive behavior. For instance, many drivers near my residential area do this, including some foreign drivers, usually due to forgetting to switch signals in haste or lack of concentration. Last week while taking my child to school, a car signaling incorrectly nearly sideswiped me - such incidents happen in both Chinese and American cities. At its core, this reflects individual driving habits rather than national culture. For safety, I teach my family to plan turn directions in advance and ensure signal alignment. Global statistics show such mistakes are common and can easily cause minor accidents. Therefore, improving driving etiquette is key.