I don't think the hyperbole helps anyone ... You do not put your hand out because you want to ask for mercy of the executioner in the metal coffin, you put your

I don't think the hyperbole helps anyone ... You do not put your hand out because you want to ask for mercy of the executioner in the metal coffin, you put your hand out to indicate your intention. It's the same reason why cars have blinkers. If a car does not use the blinker, a resulting accident is a preventable mistake by the car driver. In the same vein, a cyclist not indicating a change of lane and/or direction has endangered themselves, and others. A car driver who has no idea about the intention of a cyclist will assume that the cyclist will continue to use the same lane / the same direction as before - and act accordingly. No car driver wants to be involved in an accident - at best, it's costly and causes legal hassle. At worst, you have been part of a death.