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Comment by AnotherGoodName | Hacker News Reader

Different markets have different needs. I get that it may not matter for you but the removal of indicator stalks is a deal breaker in countries where you’re required to indicate both on and off roundabouts. Especially when those roundabouts are small. You have to first flick the stalk turn the wheel and flick the stalk while turning. Tricky even with a stalk but legally required and you will be ticketed in places for this.

I found it impossible to do with the tiny buttons on the steering wheel.

Everytime I mention this people argue the indicator buttons on the wheel are fine for them but it’s absolutely the reason I personally did not buy a Tesla. Different markets have different needs and the latest models don’t work in Europe.

I actually think they are dangerous and should be marked as unsafe given my own experience. You do risk a crash trying to find buttons on a tiny wheel.

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I didn't know this but agree. Cars should have some control standards so its easy to switch driving between them. Sounds really dangerous to have someone unfamiliar with Tesla unique controls, to be driving.

Agreed that removing indicator stalks is asinine and should never have been permitted, but what on earth is the reason for signaling in a roundabout unless you are actively changing lanes in one?

Similar to the reason you signal at a 4 way when turning across traffic (in that case it prevents a deadlock of two non indicating idiots waiting for each other when if they both indicated they could both go simultaneously).

In the roundabout case it lets drivers know you’re exiting the roundabout and they can enter it. It makes traffic much more efficient but it does need to be enforced since it’s for the benefit of other drivers not yourself.

Trusting the other driver's turn signal at a 4-way stop is fine.

Trusting the other driver's turn signal when one or both is in motion is a good way to get killed.

Signaling to enter or exit a roundabout communicates no useful information.

Very nonsensical statement, as it helps a lot since decades and allows faster traffic flow in roundabouts.

How does it allow faster traffic flow?

You haven't been driving long (or at all) if you think trusting other drivers' turn signals is a good idea. Theories that look good through a bus window often don't work as well when viewed through a windshield.

You're indeed signaling that you are about to change lane or exit. People waiting to get in know that they can do so if you're in the outside lane, or that to the contrary they should not take the outside lane if you're inside.

Changing lanes: Yes, and I said as much.

Entering: No, that's pointless. Of course I'm going to turn as I enter the roundabout. What's my alternative? Entering the wrong way? Driving straight across the island?

Exiting: No, that's pointless. Signal all you want, I am going to wait 2 more seconds to enter the roundabout until I see if you are actually going to take the exit.

You don't signal when entering.

If you are on the inside lane of the roundabout and prepare to exit, you signal to warn people already on the roundabout, and tell people waiting to get in that they shouldn't get on the outside lane even if it's free.

If you are on the outside lane and prepare to exit, you signal when the road you'll take is next. Whether you'd personally wait is irrelevant; changing lanes and direction always warrants a signal, roundabout or not.

Same as everywhere else: to signal your intent to change lanes or exit the roundabout.

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