The RSM rule we learned in driving school and that few comply with: the DGT reminds us of the danger of not following it
When we drive on the road, using turn signals is essential. It's something we were taught in driving school, but many drivers fail to comply when they are on the road. Following the RSM rule is vital for safety.
When moving with the car on the road, it is vital to follow traffic rules. We know this well, although not everyone follows it strictly. However, a practice as simple as using the turn signal to indicate a maneuver seems to be very complicated for many drivers.
Turn signals are more important than we all think. After all, these visual signals are the only way we have to communicate with other road users, both with other drivers and with pedestrians.
Their use is mandatory by law in very specific situations, such as lane changes, turns, U-turns, overtaking, at roundabouts, in parking, and when merging into traffic. Failing to do so puts us at risk of a fine of 200 euros and even losing 3 points on our license if it poses a danger to road safety.
Moreover, as we say, not using them can compromise our safety and that of others. The best thing is to remember the RSM rule, as the DGT has shared again on its social media, in the context of a practice that poses a serious risk: weaving between lanes.
Three very simple steps
This has been recently reminded by the General Directorate of Traffic: «Weaving between lanes is a risk for other drivers, as it can cause sudden stops, collisions, and other dangerous situations. Lane changes should always be done with caution, following the RSM rule.»
This RSM rule we learned in driving school sets the timing for performing any type of maneuver in our vehicle: mirror, signal, and maneuver. Before making any gesture with our car, we must observe the traffic around us, looking at the mirrors to ensure that the maneuver we want to make will be safe.
At that moment, we should signal, for which we must use that lever we have behind the steering wheel that activates the turn signals, either to the right or to the left. We should activate them with sufficient anticipation. The third step is to perform the maneuver, always safely and following traffic rules.
According to the DGT, during the useful life of a car, we can use turn signals more than 200,000 times, some more than others, undoubtedly. The problem arises that they are not always used properly or when we should, thinking that it is not that important.
«Only 33% of light vehicles signal the overtaking maneuver and the return to the original lane. It is useless to signal at the same time we turn or change lanes. All we will do is surprise, provoke risky situations, or even trigger an accident,» recalls Juan Ignacio Serena from the DGT, in the context of a recent study on driver behavior.
