Asking for Forgiveness vs. Asking for Permission: A Traffic Study

While carpooling in traffic, you have time to take in a lot of observations. Recently, I have started noticing the different ways in which people use their turn signals. I'm sure they could be described better, but here are the two main ways I see turn signs used in traffic...

1. "By the way, I'm coming over."
   These are the people that when they are ready to move over, they see a gap in the other lane, and as they merge, they throw on their turn signal as to say, "By the way, I'm coming over." These people can be seen checking their blind spot every half second as they prepare to make their move. Then, they either speed up or hit the brakes to get their car in line with the gap and when the space is there, they move in for the kill, throwing their turn signal on as an after thought. This is generally followed by a courtesy hand wave that to me says, "Please forgive me."


2. "I'd like to come over, please."
   These are the people that know they want to get over, so they put on their signal well in advance of when they are actually merging, and wait for the people in the other lane to back off and make room. These people may even slow down a little to let other cars pass them as they wait for the person that is going to make room for them to move over. Once in the new lane, this person will also gives the courtesy hand wave, but this time it is to say "Thank you." At some point, soon after merging, this person will turn off their signal.

These are definitely over simplifications, but they cover a lot of people. I know this because I have ridden with many of you.

Now, I'd like to perform a very non-scientific experiment1. I'd like you all to respond and declare your allegiance to the group you feel best represents you on the road.

So, which are you?

1. back After a few days I'll follow up with the findings. I work at an analytics company, this is what we are known for. Well, analytics and intramural sports.