They're standard equipment, use them

Anti-social behavior is one of my pet peeves. As far as I’m concerned, a driver who doesn’t use turn signals is asking to be rear-ended.  It's inconsiderate.  Other drivers aren’t clairvoyant.  They don’t know your intentions unless you tell them  - by signaling.  Since turn signals are standard equipment on all vehicles, please use them.  I’m encouraged by a pattern I’ve noticed in the TPD’s blotter. They are enforcing the city’s traffic laws. This enforcement is a good thing. It reminds drivers to think while driving and to be aware of their surroundings.

There’s another positive to these laws being enforced.  As was said in Forest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does” and using crack cocaine or herione is stupid.   It shouldn’t surprise real citizen of Troy that someone using crack would make a minor traffic infraction in obtaining it. So why then does it surprise people that our men and women of the Troy Police Department are utilizing another tool in curbing drug trafficking?  Many people ticketed for a traffic violation are also facing drug charges. At least one individual was charged with felony weapons charges following a traffic stop.

You see, when you don’t use a turn signal when pulling away from a curb, the police have a responsibility to remind you of the law by issuing a citation for breaking the law. Further, you’ve given them probable cause to search your vehicle.  To me the enforcement of the traffic laws is a step in the right direction in eliminating the dirth of drug dealers.