The Senseless Ambiguity of North American Turn Signals

Technology ConnectionsRecommended by 2 HN commenters across 2 months, 2020–2024

YouTube

explainer · general · evergreen · 2020–2024 on HN

Technology Connections explains why North American tail light rules, which allow red turn signals and flashing brake lights, make signals ambiguous. He argues for amber signals and cites studies showing a safety benefit.

HN points to it as the informative explanation of US turn signal quirks whenever signal design comes up.

4 comments from Hacker News

@gizdan2021-09 · in “Congratulations, Mini, you made the stupidest turn signals ever”

Speaking of terrible turn signals, Technology Connections on YouTube did a very informative (though a bit ranting) video on them in the US. Worth a watch and really interesting. ▶ this video

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@ljf2020-12 · in “Why Is There a Bucatini Shortage in America?”

For those who haven't been to the US, I was blown away that some cars use brake lights as the turn indicator - good video on the set up (and issues): ▶ this video

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@branko_d2024-03 · in “European crash tester says carmakers must bring back physical controls”

> Then again, it also boggles my mind how car makers in the US continue to use flashing red lights as the turn signal instead of yellow lights. Technology Connections channel had a video about that a while back: ▶ this video

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@masklinn2021-09 · in “Congratulations, Mini, you made the stupidest turn signals ever”

> I seem to recall reading amber turn signals are required the EU but not US. Yes ( ▶ this video ). The US allows not only red turn signals, but implementing turn signals by flashing brake lights.

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