A surprising new research study, completed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, has found that the highly publicized "distracted driving," including texting, eating, and dressing while driving, is not the primary cause of car crashes. In Pennsylvania, many a car accident results from neglect or misuse of turn signals. Yes, turn signals.

Results of the study surprised the SAE, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other readers. Research indicates almost one-half of drivers neglect to use turn signals, or forget to turn them off if they do use them, when changing lanes. Even when making full turns, around 25 percent of drivers neglect to use them.

These staggering statistics indicate that misuse of turn signals occurs around 2 billion times daily and 750 billion times each year. These stats are further troubling because every beginning driver gets drilled on the requirement and use of turn signals properly. For veteran drivers, using turn signals, when changing lanes or turning, should be an automatic response.

The surprises continue. For all the ink, talk and legislative attention to distracted drivers, the almost 2 million accidents annually caused by misuse of turn signals equals more than twice the 950,000 car crashes allegedly caused by distracted drivers. Even the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary was surprised at the magnitude of car accidents caused by poor use of turn signals.

Apparently the first study of its kind, reasons for the lack or misuse of turn signals still remain unclear. However, experts have commented that there is an "epidemic lack of compliance" by drivers. Unfortunately, many of the same experts note that turn signals are simple to operate and "extremely effective." How do you feel about this troubling result? Do you consistently use your turn signals when required?

Source: msnbc, "Turn signal neglect a real danger, study shows," Paul A. Eisenstein, May 1, 2012