Every metro locality likes to boast that its traffic/drivers outshine other areas in sheer frustration/stupidity. I hear the complaint often here: Florida driver’s are awful. The confluence of non-native residents (who drive by the rules of their roads of origin) and retirees does make driving an adventure in this state.

The awful traffic in this area rears its ugly bumper more often on the other side of the Bay, in Tampa, which has a highway interchange affectionally known as “dysfunction junction.” I abhor driving through Tampa.

But, today I want to vent about blinkers. Use them - it’s not that difficult. Here’s how it works, at least on my Saturn:

1. Decide which lane you want to occupy or turn you want to make.

2. Give a gentle nudge to your indicator lever. Hint: it’s usually the same level that turns on the headlamps. If the lever clicks, you can release, confident that it will remain on through your turn and magically turn off when you right the wheel. If you nudge the level without it clicking, the indicator remains on as long as you nudge it. That feature’s usually reserved for changing lanes. Push the lever down to make a left turn or move left, and up to make a right move right.

3. Check that no drivers or pedestrians are in the way, and turn or change lanes.

4. Make sure your blinker is off, so you’re not misleading pedestrians or other drivers as to you intent. Elderly, “cotton-tipped” drivers are famous for this, earning Florida the moniker “Land of the Perpetual Blinker.”

I don’t know how blinkers work on other vehicles that are newer and more high-tech than my Saturn. In the evolution of automobile technology, though, I’ve noticed that those basic steps haven’t changed since I owned my first Chevette.

The driver that inspired this post was in a newer Acura, and I guess blinker technology in that model had outstripped his or her ability to learn. A technically challenged driver impatiently weaving in an out of lanes can prove a danger to everyone around.