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> > it would seem Waymo programmed its autonomous vehicles to treat turn signals as an indicator that the car is about to execute a turn or merge, not an indica

by vageli 8y ago

> > it would seem Waymo programmed its autonomous vehicles to treat turn signals as an indicator that the car is about to execute a turn or merge, not an indicator that it is looking for the opportunity to do so. > Well, here's one, if not the issue... I do not know the precise wording of trafic Laws in each state, but in many if not all, turn signals should _not_ be used as "an indicator of opportunity". Certainly not true in NJ. > A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-39/section-39-4-126/ https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-39/sectio...

kalenx 8y ago
My wording was bad, I admit it. My point was that signals should be given only when you have the _opportunity_ to do such maneuver. If the lane to your right is crowded, putting your right signal on achieves nothing. In other words, your signals do not give you the right of way. I do not think Waymo cars are unable to use their signals, but they are probably programmed not to put them on when the turn/lane change cannot be achieved anyway.
- TomVDB 8y ago
  When someone indicates his intention to change lanes when there is no room, I slow down. I expect the same of others. And when that doesn’t happen, you just continue on because chances are high that the next one will. In many cases of heavy traffic, this is the only way to change lanes.
jahewson 8y ago
But that perfectly describes “about to execute a turn”. Not what the article is describing, which is to request that other cars open up a new (previously non-existent) space to allow for a lane change. Human drivers will sometimes do this, but in my experience they’re just as likely to cut you off once they see you want to change lanes in front of them.
- TomVDB 8y ago
  Isn’t it perfectly possible to signal intent even when there is no ability to do so?

by vageli 8y ago

kalenx 8y ago

My wording was bad, I admit it. My point was that signals should be given only when you have the _opportunity_ to do such maneuver. If the lane to your right is crowded, putting your right signal on achieves nothing. In other words, your signals do not give you the right of way. I do not think Waymo cars are unable to use their signals, but they are probably programmed not to put them on when the turn/lane change cannot be achieved anyway.

TomVDB 8y ago
When someone indicates his intention to change lanes when there is no room, I slow down. I expect the same of others. And when that doesn’t happen, you just continue on because chances are high that the next one will. In many cases of heavy traffic, this is the only way to change lanes.

jahewson 8y ago

But that perfectly describes “about to execute a turn”. Not what the article is describing, which is to request that other cars open up a new (previously non-existent) space to allow for a lane change. Human drivers will sometimes do this, but in my experience they’re just as likely to cut you off once they see you want to change lanes in front of them.

TomVDB 8y ago
Isn’t it perfectly possible to signal intent even when there is no ability to do so?