DISCLAIMER: THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE WRITTEN FOR USE IN NORTH AMERICA AND OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AUTOMOBILE.

Let’s start with something nice and easy.

Turn signals.

There is a small lever to the left of your steering wheel. This is called the turn signal lever.

Scenario 1: You are driving along, you come to the place you are going to turn – reach out with the fingers of your left hand and flip the turn signal lever in the direction you are going to turn. Up for right, down for left. You will notice a corresponding flashing light on the dashboard of your vehicle, called the turn signal indicator. After completing the turn, or during the turn, your turn signal should automatically cancel itself. If it doesn’t, as indicated by the continued flashing of the turn signal indicator, please use the fingers of your left hand to return the turn signal lever to the neutral position.

Scenario 2: You are driving along, and decide that you need to be in a lane other than the one you are in. First, check your mirrors to make sure that no one else is currently in the space you plan to occupy. Then, reach out with the fingers of your left hand and place a slight pressure on the turn signal lever in the direction you are going to merge. Up for right, down for left. You will notice a corresponding flashing light on the dashboard of your vehicle, called the turn signal indicator. Please use only a light pressure, just enough to activate the turn signal indicator on the dashboard of your vehicle, so that when you complete the lane change and you release the pressure on the turn signal lever, the lever will return to the neutral position.

Please note: Merging onto a street or highway from another street or highway is considered a turn or lane change, depending on the angle of incidence. These are ideal – nay, perfect! – times to use your turn signals. Most sane people consider any directional change a time to use their turn signals.

Please note: If you are retired, or are driving a large motor home, or both, do not be surprised if you are accosted at your next stop for (a) blocking traffic for forty seven miles, and (b) having your left turn signal on all that time.