Not only does current technology allow this, I image the technology of the last 20 years would have allowed this. Brilliant idea to link the signal to the odometer. Speed could also be used. I always thought it should be on a timer, but the odometer is a much better idea. I'm sure this will be one of the more popular ideas ever posted on this site. Good work!

I was biking in Palo Alto last weekend, and nobody used their turn signals (maybe it's an american thing). Any ideas on how the signals can come on automatically?

Turn signals that come on automatically? I guess the turn signal would have to be linked to your brain somehow since the turn signal is intended as a signal for something you are going to do, not something that is actually happening. It doesn't seem feasible to have them work automatically.

Well, sensors could be installed for auto on/auto off signals... But that would cost more to make.

If you hooked the turn signals up to one of those GPS doohickeys that plans your route for you, they could be set to come on automatically, as the GPS would know exactly when you're going to turn.

Maybe they're crazy in America, but my parents' car switches the turn signal off when you start turning in the opposite direction, and it clicks very noticibly as well, you can't really go wrong. How can you drive 80 miles with that clicking?

Does nobody ride motorbiks? This is standard on some bikes in the form of a timer delay. Kisan Signal Minder is an American retrofit product for several large motorbike types that don't have it as standard. This one was too easy! And such a good idea the car companies should install them immediately.

I had a similar idea myself (how many times have you heard that one?)

My idea was that the turn signal noise would simply get louder and louder after the first quarter mile, so that you would notice it and turn the thing off.

My idea should be cheaper to make since it woudn't require a mechanical linkage to the turn signal. It's also a little less paternalistic, since it does give you the option of annoying everyone on the road if you want to.

My turn signals used to cancel, but the little clicking doohickey broke. Now it cancels after I've made a right turn but not the left. We're talkng about a car I bought 5 years ago for $175, so it isn't likely I'm going to spend money to fix it. Right after it first broke I think I did leave it on for a couple miles once or twice, but now I'm trained to shut it off myself automatically.

This in itself isn't a bad idea, but the GPS-linking and all that stuff sounds a little far-fetched, like if you a turn due to construction or when you have been fighting with other traffic that won't let you over in time (if you wait to switch lanes at the last minute).

But for some reason, I guess they keep making the turn signal clicking reminders quieter and quieter, since I had an older car that made VERY loud clicks that I could still hear when I was blasting the music, but my newer BMW happens to have it at a whisper, and you can't even hear it even if the radio is on very low.

However, the idea of it gaining in volume sounds VERY good, and very similar to a feature in the BMW where if you tap the turn signal without locking it into the detent, it will blink 3 times and turn itself off. Yet one thing I can't understand: Why don't we pay attention to the gauges and NOTICE a green light blinking? What if it was the oil pressure warning and your engine is bound to be permanently ruined if you don't stop?

Other than that, it is a very good invention that someone should put on a truck since they don't have rearview mirrors and a huge blind spot, and it REALLY got confusing and annoying.

My Yamaha XJ900 has this gizmo already. I think it's pretty much standard on other bikes too.

It was standard on Yamaha's RD250LC many many years ago and worked so well in practice that I don't know why I've not seen it on any bike since.

Most modern cars have electronically switching indicators now so there is no clicking noise, however they also have electronically driven speed/odometers so there would be no additional cost to implement an odometer trigered cancel.

There was a technology for this in some older cars. I drive a 1989 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, and if i leave the turn signals on for an extended period of time (im not sure what the criterion are) I will get a chime similar to what you hear if you leave the door open with your keys in the ignition. And remember this is an '89 car. So the technology has been around, just not standardized.

-JM

*blush* I just drove a half mile or so (in heavy traffic, so it was at least a few minutes) with it on yesterday after a lane change... in an old car with barely any noise to the signal at all, and a dim dash indicator with sun glare on it.I once had a brand new Saturn that would not turn off the signal for a turn of less than 90 degrees. (my last turn on the way to work 5 days a week was about 45 degrees). They said it was working 'fine'. Somehow, I don't miss that car, or that company.

I like the idea.

I vote yes on this, but I'll have it known that I'd prefer it if it would detonate a small charge as soon as the vehicle stopped after driving for more than 5 miles with the blinker on, and rid us of these morons forever.

Partially joking.

I didnt take the time to read all the other comments but there was one about as soon as the wheel turns the slightest in the opposite direction (witch is when you no longer need the people behind you know that you are "planning" on turning) the light goes off....i had more on the subject festering in my brain but i got bored with it, so, i leave you with that

The latest GM vehicles have reminder chime if you leave your turn signal on for too long.

What I would do to inform drivers that their turn signal is still blinking is to get in front of them and turn on my turn signal to emulate what they are doing until they finally got the message and then I would speed off.