Turn signal effectiveness?

[newshirt]

I noticed the same thing on a friend's car! His turn signals were totally worthless. I could barely see them. But I didn't tell him because he probably felt secure in the knowledge that he had them, and any remarks from me might be taken as a "purist" insult.

I don't use electrical turn signals -- only hand signals. I found that slowing down a looooong distance from the intended turn is enough to "signal" cars behind me that something is about to happen. They "get it" and respect the old car ahead of them. I combine that with a long hand signal, and all is well. Nobody slams into me. Nobody mistakes my actions. It's always a nice gentle maneuver that keeps me safe. No need for turn signals.