Communication when driving is essential to prevent road accidents. This is indicated by a recent survey by the Road Observatory of CECAITRAthe Chamber that brings together road software producing companies, which analyzed how drivers use turn signals and beacons when driving.
The study reveals that drivers perform multiple maneuvers per hour, mainly in urban areas, and that communicating these actions correctly is essential to guarantee the safety of all road users.
Perception of the behavior of others behind the wheel
The CECAITRA survey first investigated how drivers perceive the behavior of others. When asked: “How often do you think others use their turn signals when turning and their beacons when stopping?“, he 72% responded that only “sometimes” sees others signal correctly; the 21% He maintained that “never“they do it; and just the 7% said that “always” they do it properly.
“Unfortunately, it is very common to hear honking or an outburst when another vehicle turns, stops to park, or tries to enter a garage without communicating the maneuver using the turn signals or beacons. And also, although it is wrong, it is common to see that a car has its beacons on and is not stopped, causing dangerous braking.“, explained the spokesperson for the CECAITRA Road Observatory, Facundo Jaime.
Drivers’ self-perception
After asking about what they observe in others, the study addressed self-perception: “How often do you use your turn signal when turning and your beacon when stopping?”
In this case, the 65% guaranteed that “always” signals in a timely manner; the 25% said to do itsometimes”; and only the 10% recognized that “never” communicates his maneuvers.
“According to the survey carried out by the Observatory, drivers perceive themselves as responsible and comply with the basic traffic rules, but they observe that others are not. The idea of this survey is to make visible the importance of communication in traffic. If each person correctly signals each maneuver they perform, the chances of causing an accident decrease.“Jaime added.
Incorrect use of beacons in low visibility conditions
Finally, the survey assessed the level of knowledge about the use of beacons. Participants were asked whether, in low visibility conditions (such as fog, smoke, or heavy rain), flashing lights should be used.
Only the 53% correctly answered that they should not be used in those situations, while the 47% He was mistaken, believing that they should turn on while driving.
Subsection e) of article 47 of the National Traffic Law No. 24,449 establishes that flashing lights or beacons must be used only for “signal stopping in a dangerous area or carrying out risky maneuversTherefore, its use as a method to increase the visibility of the vehicle is not correct, as it can cause confusion and unexpected braking.
“That almost half of drivers go out into the street with the idea of using beacons in situations of low visibility is a fact that should alarm us. We must emphasize that this is an action that can cause, in addition to confusion, accidents. Knowing the road regulations and applying them correctly can prevent an accident”Jaime concluded.
Road education to prevent accidents
From CECAITRA they highlight the importance of reinforcing road education and respect for traffic rules, with the aim of reducing accidents on streets and routes throughout the country. Correctly communicating each maneuver and knowing the proper use of light signals can make the difference between a safe trip and an avoidable accident.
