The Frustration of Following Wrong Signals on the Road

Have you ever been on the highway, trailing behind someone who just can’t seem to figure out their directions? It happens more often than you’d think. Some drivers truly struggle with left and right, or with east and west, and the result can be maddening—sometimes even dangerous—for those behind them.

 




Here's a scenario: The Turn Signal Switcheroo
You’re driving in the city. The car ahead signals a right turn, so you ease up, expecting them to pull over. At the last second, they swing left instead—straight across the lane. Horns blare, brakes screech, and everyone behind them is left trying to recover.

What do you do? As inclined as you are to curse out that driver, or worse, just pause for a moment and consider that the wrong signals may not necessarily be the fault of that driver. It may be that he/she is oblivious to the fact that the wrong signal was given, and may just be concerned about getting "over there."


The fact is that there are many, many road users who have varying degrees of difficulty identifying right and left.

So, in such a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, here’s what you can do if another driver signals right but turns left, or vice versa, in front of you:

1. Always drive defensively 

  • Do not assume any signal is correct—watch the car’s actual movement, keep enough following distance so you have time to react.

2. Slow down immediately

  • If you notice the mismatch between signal and movement, ease off the accelerator right away.

  • Cover your brakes (or brake gently if needed) to give yourself extra reaction time.

3. Avoid passing quickly

  • Don’t try to dart around them. If they’re unpredictable, they may swerve.

4. Keep your eye on an escape route

  • Stay aware of your surroundings. If they turn left in front of you, be prepared to brake or move slightly right (if safe) to avoid a collision.

5. Stay calm; don’t engage

  • Don’t honk excessively or try to “teach them a lesson.”

  • Just let them clear the intersection or lane, then continue safely.

Very important: Expect the unexpected, keep your distance, and prioritize safety over frustration.

It takes all kinds to make a world and not everyone is navigationally savvy. Learn about the directionally challenged. What you learn could make all the difference. Get a copy of my book - Center Brained: Why you can't tell left from right, east from west or north from south. On Amazon my book can be accessed at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3XT7HPT. It is also available on other platforms. And visit my you tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@directionallychallengedU.

Let me hear your thoughts on the subject. Are you directionally or do you know someone who is?


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