How Many NYC Drivers Fail to Signal?

If you walk on New York City streets (or frankly anywhere in the U.S.), you’re well aware of how much unlawful and dangerous driving happens on nearly every block: red light running, speeding, double-parking, you name it.

I first moved to NYC in 1991, and one thing that seems to have gotten much worse since then is the percentage of drivers who fail to signal their turns. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been walking or bicycling and nearly been hit by drivers who didn’t use their directionals. Anecdotally, I would estimate that about 25 or 30 percent of drivers don’t signal.

So I set out to put my theory to the test where I live in Jackson Heights, Queens, taping the first 100 turning drivers I saw. I won’t spoil the final count, but this video is more evidence of the poor quality of driving across the city. Failing to use blinkers makes it hard for walkers, bikers, and other motorists to anticipate a driver’s behavior — this is basic Driver’s Ed, people — but so many people just don’t do it.

Every week we read horrible stories of drivers crashing into pedestrians or mounting sidewalks — and yet hardly anyone is ever charged or even issued a ticket. NYPD could be issuing plenty of tickets for drivers failing to signal turns on just about any block at anytime. They could start a crackdown tomorrow, it doesn’t require more legislation. It doesn’t require an officer to be stationed in a car with a radar gun. Just stand on the corner and pull people over. Simple.

NYPD credits cracking down on small crimes with helping to dramatically lower the city’s overall crime rate. If we started to show less tolerance for “smaller” infractions, might drivers in NYC eventually change their overall driving habits?