A few years ago there were numerous discussions regarding amber turn signals and last year the NHTSA looked into mandating them for all cars sold in the USA. Their findings revealed that it was a simple implementation to increase safety by at least 5.3%.
I find it hard to believe that some people prefer red but I am of the opinion that those people do not use them and think that red enhances the look of the vehicle.
Today I drove to work in So Cal in the pouring rain in the middle of 5 lines of freeway traffic with spray everywhere, wipers flapping, brake lights blinking and lane changes all over the place. It was so obvious that the amber turn signal was so much faster to recognise than just another red light ahead of you that I do not understand the reluctance to enforce the proposal.
Of course, our RL's have the amber turn signals and you may not know that the color of your indication may have saved your life but I also own a MDX and for some reason, that car has red turn signals.
All countries know the advantages of the amber lamp, including the USA, but it is only the USA (and Canada) that perpetrates the red indicator.
Even BMW which by law has to manufacture amber turn signals, makes red ones for the USA! If a manufacturer, such as Acura, touts automotive safety then why do they use the less safe color of red for the indicators?

 

Though of course you are not talking about the RL which has amber turn signals, right? I cannot speak for other Acuras.

 

I think the part where he says, "our RL's have the amber turn signals" signifies he knows our current conditions, but that he's observing the quirks of the market. As a driver, I much prefer amber turn signals and I don't think they look less cool than red (says the guy with silverbulbs, but you know what I mean).

 

Yea I missed that!

As they say, never mind.

 

What if you put an amber bulb behind a red lens?

 

Although I agree with db22's view on the matter and I am happy the RL has the amber signals, I feel the issue is somewhat moot simply because a vast majority of drivers DO NOT SIGNAL.

There seems to be a mentality of drivers that as long as they do not hit anything, they are good drivers. Contrary to the mentality that driving privilege is also being responsible to other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on the roads who cannot anticipate these self centered drivers.

It simply is a reflection of how juvenile and irresponsible our society mentality has become. That cell phone is a much higher priority than signalling an abrupt three lane change is about to occur without warning. It is impossible to flip that cumbersome lever with a cell phone in hand or the seat reclined into the back seat.

But hey,,,,let's spend money to modify the car with flashy lights on the windscreen washer jets, or a phoney LED laden sharkfin, and even twinkly lights on the tire air valve cap....but not use the pretty flashy lights that come with the car (and legally required in most states.

Can you tell I just commuted home from work? I am convinced the driving public is incapable of ANY self control. And I am convinced my life is in jeopardy simply driving to and from work far greater than any terrorist attack.

 

Damn right!

Douche bags think because their holding a phone to their head that you should anticipate their move into your lane. I will usually go around the aforementioned douche and do the same to them. It's funny how fast they will suddenly find their horn and free up their other hand to flip me off. It's at that time I find my way onto the shoulder of the road and kick up a few rocks, slush and general debris onto their BMW's or whatever shit box they own. Yeah, I'm an asshole, but I use my turn signals.

LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR TURN SIGNALS YOU FRIGGIN DOUCHE BAGS!!

Thanks, I feel better now.

 

FN P90 you are evidence that the indicators work for over 300K miles. I wondered if people didn't use them is case they wore them out before they sold the car!
BTW - I'm glad that you feel better now but you should not be so harsh on BMW drivers, it's not their fault - I don't think that BMW's come with indicators!

 

Based on my personal experience, Audi's don't have turn signals either. But they do have AWD which means they can go as fast as thry like in the snow and let all the other drivers compensate for their stupidity.

 

A slight change of direction (if you'll excuse the pun) and while we are on the subject of rear lights - All US cars should have the High Intensity Rear Lamp too. I know a lot of people use them when it is not necessary but an education into when to use them could solve the issue. I find them very good in reduced visabilty to ID the car ahead of you way in advance of seeing a car without them.

 

This just happened today. And it wasn't a BMW! Too bad I didn't have the mic on.

 

I hate when people do that!

 

the brake check before getting back over is a nice touch.

 

AMBER..lamps?