Most of you are incorrect about the turn signal, the official industry name is Directional Indicators and this is a KEY TERM.
DI’s can only be amber/yellow or red and the reason why they are yellow or red is because “to create a standard of driving that follows traffic signal definitions that will enable safer traffic flow during directional changes”
A quick reminder of traffic signals
Red Signal – Prohibits any traffic from proceeding, i.e. red break lights, if someone puts on their breaks it is NOT OPTIONAL for you to apply yours. A Flashing Red means stop.
There are on going discussions at FMVSS to make all DI’s Yellow, maybe in the future.
Amber/Yellow Signal – If safe to do so, prepare to stop short, a flashing yellow means CAUTION, crossing or road hazard a head!
If someone turns on a blinker they have the right to change lanes if it is safe to do so provided they have signaled, mirrors, over shoulder and go i.e. SMOG. Once you SEE at Red or Yellow Light no matter if it’s in your lane or NOT you must prepare with CAUTION.
The design intent of the color of the DI’s is allow everyone to get to the PROPER destination in the most efficient manner possible. The ONLY way this is possible is if people are allowed to move between lanes with minimal delays.
1. You do not own the road in front of you, only the road your vehicle occupies
2. You see a yellow or red light (DI) you must error on safety which means MAINTAINING SPEED OR SLOWING DOWN and allowing the vehicle a head to merge or change lanes. The ONLY known exception to this is when merging on to a freeway. Those on the freeway should maintain speed and the merging traffic should vary their speed to merge with traffic.
Basically a DI/blinker does NOT ask permission it is a Directional Indicator and is RED or YELLOW for a REASON.