life & style
Stunned Gulf Motorists Line Up to See ‘Indicator’ Device at Luxury Car Show
Enthusiasts clamour to be among first to own car with new safety feature
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More from The PAE
Toufiq
April 5, 2014 at 10:14 am
Good idea! Will these be fitted as standard?
myquest
April 5, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Can they be retrofitted?
VS
April 6, 2014 at 7:13 am
arent there indicators in cars already to let people know that you are moving lanes
lard lad
April 7, 2014 at 7:16 am
You are a spud
frank
April 6, 2014 at 8:31 am
Toufig, the answer is in the article: “BMW salesman, Ron Parkswith said that the ‘indicator’ would come as standard on all BMW models.” Hope that helps you understand, its not that difficult
Chrystal Chipotle
April 6, 2014 at 8:48 am
Can you get them gold plated and with crystals? It would be great if they flashed different colours and played a ring tone or something?
Grilled Bears
April 6, 2014 at 11:48 am
My new car makes a ting ting noise, sounds like water dripping out of the ceiling from an un-serviced AC but nothing was damp, strange ! And what’s the three mirrors for i look good enough in one, why the other two?
Moist Cheese
April 6, 2014 at 2:54 pm
I think they’re another safety feature. They allow to see all angles of your face without having to turn around too much, thus obstructing your view of the road.
Chrystal Chipotle
April 6, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Grilled, you made it out of the mall alive! I’m so pleased
Archie Brand
April 11, 2014 at 4:36 am
Grilled, I know this one because my son was told this when he was taking driving lessons.
You are correct – you only need one of those “mirror” things to confirm that you look good. The other 2 are there on the sides so that the police can look into the car
prossett
April 6, 2014 at 9:17 am
And what’s wrong with just sticking my hand out the window and touching the tips of my fingers upwards to heaven? Like everything else this is just a ploy for the car dealerships to make more money when you have to replace the lightbulbs. I certainly will not use these “indicators” – what a stupid idea.
mansoorab
April 6, 2014 at 9:20 am
Can we use both indicators at the same time?
Zack
April 7, 2014 at 4:43 am
I heard about this feature. Too bad it isn’t mentioned in the article.
I heard it was proposed to be named “the park anywhere” feature. Available mainly for douchebags.
Dave
April 8, 2014 at 8:15 am
Yes, you will find a red triangle, just press it at the 1st hint of Rain.
Archie Brand
April 11, 2014 at 4:40 am
Sorry Dave, but as everyone here knows there are only 2 occasions when you should use both indicators at the same time. If you use one to go right and the other to go left, then it makes sense that you use both to go straight across a junction. Another of the many useful tips I picked up while living in Saudi.
Plus they are also very useful while driving in fog. 3 million motorists can’t possibly be wrong
Anonymous
June 5, 2014 at 6:28 am
Yes, they are especially useful when you are towing. People behind you obviously can’t see that you are towing something, so they are not surprised when you suddenly slow down to go down a side road. And the people approaching you wonder what you are doing. Now with the new “indicators” they know your are turning left and right at the same time. Only a Qatari can do this.
Dan
April 6, 2014 at 9:23 am
nice
John Cross
April 6, 2014 at 9:32 am
Hmmm, not many people seem to understand satire here.
bubbles
April 6, 2014 at 9:52 am
Or maybe they do!!?
Golferlady
April 6, 2014 at 9:48 am
It will never catch on. Really, sometimes designers focus more on what’s in their imagination rather than what their market needs. With the Gold Class Lane soon to become operational, it’s automatic headlight flashing that we need. They should be set to start flashing when a Gold Class vehicle is within 500m of any standard vehicle and be able to increase in intensity up to and including laser-class to wipe the offending vehicle off the planet.
RightInTheFeels
April 6, 2014 at 10:30 am
Hahaha, do you know that BMW’s already have an auto high beam option but unfortunately it works the other way around, it dims the headlights when there is an oncoming vehicle and goes back to high when its too dark, so the technology is already invented they just need to reverse its function !
Rob
April 6, 2014 at 10:02 am
Will there be a mobile app for this new gadget? Would come in very handy so people won’t have to move their fingers and eyes away from their phone screen while driving!
Anonymous
April 6, 2014 at 10:21 am
Can we paint them black?
dingleberry
April 6, 2014 at 10:30 am
i just had mine installed and there is a flaw to the invention…..when you engage the ‘indicator’, it activates some kind of magnetic field that draws another vehicle immediately into the space that you have ‘indicated’ to enter….the only other explanation would be that the majority of people are vile, childish, selfish and ignorant and purposely enjoy causing aggravation to others by blocking their paths…..and i know that people on the roads ‘here’ are not that way inclined and are generally lovely and generally civilised on the roads…
Saad
April 6, 2014 at 10:34 am
You have indicators already in all cars. Use the ones already there. What a sales gimmick lol!
Merlin
April 9, 2014 at 10:05 am
That’a a brilliant idea Saad, use those! The idea might even catch on?
Pete Aldwinckle
April 6, 2014 at 10:50 am
Assume that this radical innovation will not be available for vehicles being used as taxis.
sheikhajlo
April 20, 2014 at 9:06 am
pointless, not like they know where they are going anyway!
Mark Wilkinson
April 6, 2014 at 10:52 am
Will my maid be able to operate it for me?
Otherwise how many things am I expected to concentrate on at once? I have to text with one hand and operate my headlights and/or horn with the other! This is more than enough in my opinion, anything else is just extravagance!
Chrystal Chipotle
April 6, 2014 at 3:14 pm
If I’m on the phone I just get whichever child that is sat in my lap at the time, to stop picking his/her nose, stop steering and operate the lever thingy. Although I’m pretty sure he/she is just flashing the lights of the batrol at the yaris in front! Oh well, say las vee
Mustapha Crash
April 6, 2014 at 11:02 am
When will expats be allowed to purchase the protective force field that’s retro fitted by locals to their Land Cruisers and connected to the hazard warning lights?
It will be fog season soon and we too would like to commute to Abu Dhabi at 180kph in only 50m visability.
Issac Hunt
April 6, 2014 at 11:37 am
Im all for safety on the roads, i stole a lap belt from the airline, now my child can sit on my knee whilst im driving at 140 down SZR in complete safety. Plus the answer to the earlier question, my knew posh Lexus has a button on the dash which flashes both sides at the same time if it rains.
Andre
April 6, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Oh this is such old news… Technology has moved on since then and you can now even use two ‘indicators’ at the same time. It is common practice to do this whenever the Gulf receives it’s 3mm rain allowance per year and the new technology is used to let everyone now that it is in fact a few sprinkles of rain drops coming down on the road…
Richard
April 6, 2014 at 12:40 pm
We BMW drivers don’t want or need this as standard. Nobody should be in the lane we want to be in anyway, since BNWs have absolute priority and can go where they like.
Rob
April 6, 2014 at 12:51 pm
I, sue it is only those rich people in the Gulf who will be able to afford this new device. I do hope they are not made compulsory in Britain. It would add yet more expense on to an already expensive form of transport.
Anonymous
April 6, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Fucking idiots just shows how inconsiderate they really are.
Bernie
April 6, 2014 at 1:29 pm
What do you need indicators for? I’ve never seen anyone indicating before passing in F1.
Hamiltop
April 6, 2014 at 8:17 pm
It’s because you don’t see anyone passing in F1, these days. Someone with the same name as yours, changed the rules.
Mike
April 6, 2014 at 1:32 pm
LOL. OMG don’t you guys realise it’s a joke???
Anonymous
April 6, 2014 at 7:07 pm
This is really funny!
Kenneth D. Aston Jr. (@KennethAston)
April 6, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Yea it’s called a TURN SIGNAL!
Archie Brand
April 11, 2014 at 4:44 am
Ahaaaa – we have an American!
Kate B
June 24, 2014 at 6:21 pm
No shit Sherlock
Adrian birch
April 7, 2014 at 4:19 am
Will women in England get extra tuition if they’re fitted as standard over here
Chrystal Chipotle
April 7, 2014 at 10:54 am
Why would women in England need tuition? Do you actually mean English women living here require extra tuition? If so, tuition in what, retro fitting car parts? You sir, are an idiot!
ArabiaJane
April 7, 2014 at 5:49 am
Will it still work when I’m driving in fog with my four way flashers on?
Mike Hunt
April 7, 2014 at 9:46 am
Haha I can’t believe people in the UAE haven’t heard of these. We have been using them back home for years. Seems like the car manufacturers are looking to make some additional money to me, can’t understand why now and not before.
Mike
April 8, 2014 at 5:00 am
Troll alert
Anonymous
April 7, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Joke or not, it’s typical of the Gulf. Next thing will be fitted wings. Press of a button & we’re doing a Mary Poppins. Probably safer ?
Giveitsomejandal
April 7, 2014 at 2:40 pm
They should change the wiring around so that the opposite indicator flashes. It wouldn’t make a lick of difference over here in Perth.
insanebrian
April 7, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Fine for the arabs who can afford them but what about the immigrants who will need to pay for a new drivers license to operate this thing.
fritz
April 8, 2014 at 7:52 am
Such a rubbish, horn and high beam are enough to indicate your speed and change of direction. Some years before on the camel we never showed anything.
LiveAlot
April 8, 2014 at 9:09 am
Oh this is just plain stupid. Can you imagine the carnage having to find this illusive lever when shooting across from the fast lane (that’s the far one) doing in excess of 160, instantly navigating your way through a myriad of slow vehicles in your path (where only a ping pong ball can fit in between two cars bumpers) to get to the off ramp in a matter of 20 meters. An unnecessary distraction and so dangerous! Remove them and ban them before someone gets killed.
Stephan
April 8, 2014 at 10:41 am
I think it is a miracle that we still live on the face of the earth in 2014, I give little hope to mankind reading these reactions. I’m not sure whether the reactions are funnier than the article itself…. Beam me up Scotty!
frank
April 8, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Stephan, but some of the reactions are joke reactions, you have to watch closely to know which is which
Anonymous
April 9, 2014 at 3:31 am
It is nice to have them but I choose not to use them. Next thing they will be mandating their usage through traffic cameras. Just you wait!
David
April 9, 2014 at 6:24 am
This is nothing new, I have had one for years – it’s called an “indicator”! In fact, when I press it up or down lights flash front and back to let other drivers know what I am doing!
Anonymous
April 9, 2014 at 11:15 am
This is going to cause mass confusion, everyone knows that indicators only are deployed when the elbow accidentally hits them while speaking on the mobile phone.
mike
April 9, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Yeah, implementing it in the UAE would lead to meltdown, locals would be confused by all the blinking lights
clara
April 9, 2014 at 1:38 pm
I like the guys in the photo, looks like they are really studying the details of the new invention
John Q.
April 9, 2014 at 4:28 pm
Amazing what these European car manufacturers are capable of, in terms of technology and marketing. However, the Japs are not far behind – according to inside sources, starting with the 2020 model the Toyota Landcruiser will be fully equipped to be driven on the right lane as well. While for new Nissan patrols a special overtaking tool will already be available a year earlier – they say this optional mechanism will allow to move back to the right into an empty lane after overtaking on the left. What engineering wonder will come next?
chalksticks
April 10, 2014 at 6:03 am
Cool, does it come in black?
Christine Pentecost
April 10, 2014 at 7:37 am
Aw Naw, I had mind reading down to a tee.
Adam
April 10, 2014 at 10:28 am
I heard from the inventor that if you push the lever extra hard it enables you to indicate to cross five lanes of Sheikh Zayed rush hour traffic almost instantaneously. Useful for those times where a supermochafrappachino is calling your name at the Starbucks just ahead *Available on Land Cruiser models only
amanda
April 10, 2014 at 10:37 am
What’s next UAE? Stopping at pedestrian crossings?
Anonymous
April 10, 2014 at 10:39 am
Saudi will probably issue a fatwa against this new device
Archie Brand
April 11, 2014 at 4:49 am
Implementation may be a little difficult. Is it OK if I use it AFTER I have changed lanes. That simplifies the thought process and I don’t have to change the established process, just add a bit on the end?
beaten_with_a_wet_noodle
April 14, 2014 at 10:51 am
“Saudi will probably issue a fatwa against this new device ”
Too late, most Saudi’s have written this device off as “not distracting enough” to keep their attention on the matter of……….oh, I dont know………..safe driving…..
muttley
April 17, 2014 at 9:45 am
I think a mobile phone support three inches away from the drivers face so they can hang their arm out of the window while their knee is doing the steering would be a hit! an app to beep the horn set 0.0001 millisecond before the traffic light turns green and a game of ‘Frogger’ to simulate rear view destruction.
sheikhajlo
April 20, 2014 at 9:14 am
I would just like to point out that this will not affect those who are holding a mobile phone. As you know we all drive with our left foot on the dashboard, simply move your foot slightly downwards to touch the lever. This will activate flashing light. panic over people
Reggie Roganjosh
April 20, 2014 at 11:09 am
I shake my head from side to side at you…you naughty people!
whatalaugh
April 23, 2014 at 5:08 pm
Will these ‘indicators’ be invisible to cyclists like my old ones ?
Marc
April 24, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Geez, next thing you know, they’ll be putting things on to let people know you’re going to stop. Ain’t modern technology fine!
Mk
April 30, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Nah this invention had its glam for like a week since it was released, now the hype is somewhere else and indians in Qatar are using it pretty well its red lights on the back of each car that come on suddenly before you crash into them. and they come on alot on highways in here its amazing!
tom
May 8, 2014 at 12:49 pm
a passing fad, it will never last
mike
May 8, 2014 at 12:50 pm
can’t imagine having to drive with all these blinking lights ahead of me
marik235@gmail.com
May 23, 2014 at 11:55 am
I’d like to see the sheikh zayed road with all those cars lit up with “indicators”, it would be so funny looking
amy khan
May 23, 2014 at 11:58 am
Can they put them on delivery mopeds?
thal
May 23, 2014 at 12:01 pm
I don’t know, I think the RTA will want to clamp down on this, seems like a distraction on the road
Anonymous
May 23, 2014 at 12:05 pm
thal, yeah, bit like tinted windows
Miley Serious
May 26, 2014 at 5:03 am
Ha! Thanks for sharing. Wonder how this would work in Cairo, nothing short of pushing the car next to you will allow you to change lanes
tommy
May 26, 2014 at 5:06 am
I tried using these devices in Saudi but they only lead to cars speeding you behind you so that you don’t try to pull into their lanes
southie
May 26, 2014 at 5:10 am
Why do Americans call them blinkers anyway? Is indicator too big a word for them?
Kate B
June 24, 2014 at 6:27 pm
and why are they red instead of amber, like the rest of the world uses?
ramal
May 27, 2014 at 11:47 am
love this. so true. I don’t know why they don’t just use the indicator – what kind of stuff is going on in your car that you can’t flick a lever?
Merdran
May 27, 2014 at 11:49 am
Aren’t there enough flashers in Bur Dubai as it is?
Tildi
May 27, 2014 at 11:51 am
Thanks for sharing. Hope they start putting them on jet skis pretty soon.
morris major
May 27, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Miley, nothing short of bumper cars is safe in Cairo, I actually feel grateful for the UAE drivers after being there
Miller
May 27, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Tommy, that’s exactly same problem here. You indicate and they fly at you to stop you pulling over. I’ve stopped using mine, so its like a zombie that feeds on itself
susy
May 27, 2014 at 12:27 pm
I don’t think delivery guys are the problem, on their little scooters, its the giant oversized SUVS that wrap cars around lamposts
Obaid
May 27, 2014 at 12:36 pm
where do you get these devices? I will look crazy using them in Al Ain but maybe it will start a trend
mike
May 28, 2014 at 8:55 am
Well said Susy – the way people in their Escalades and Ravs complain about these poor guys in their Honda 50 motorcycles “getting in the way” or “bumping against me”, when their cars are 1000 too big and are the real problem
magic longson
May 28, 2014 at 10:15 am
One of them scrapped my car with their big metal boxes at the back, no compensation from the pizza company. Just saying – its a two way street and those guys need “indicators” too
henry kissinger
May 28, 2014 at 11:20 am
I don’t think the scrapes would happen if there wasn’t enormously big SUVs getting in their way!
Angela
May 28, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Ha ha! i think I’ve seen one of these in Jumeirah once, but I’m not sure
RIO
May 29, 2014 at 5:59 am
Will the new satnav on display for the landcruiser allow the driver to leave it even longer before trying to pull into the turn off feeder lane?
If so, it’ll be a ‘must have’ accessory along with the vanity/make up mirror conveniently located on the windscreen between the two front seats
tommy
June 4, 2014 at 6:48 am
There are people out there who have never, ever used an indicator so this could have a novelty value
Victoria
June 4, 2014 at 8:16 am
Can’t say I’m impressed with this new idea. The complications of steering while using a level will be too much for many uae drivers
Hatter
June 4, 2014 at 8:40 am
Could do with indicators on the front of cars as well, so cars speeding the wrong way down the road can see which way you’re turning
Blackie
June 4, 2014 at 9:54 am
definitely needed on the Al Ain Road, side swiping seems to be a pastime
Marcel Wallis
June 5, 2014 at 9:55 am
This would never catch on in Saudi, probably be condemned as haram
Mich
June 5, 2014 at 5:40 pm
Yeah, in Saudi, women might be tempted to get into cars more, so they would ban it
Modi
June 7, 2014 at 8:52 am
maybe saudi would allow women to switch the indicator on and off in the driveway so they can have the thrill of driving without sinning
Noella
June 7, 2014 at 9:23 am
flash without sinning – could be no slogan for saudi
Noella
June 8, 2014 at 1:47 pm
“could be new slogan for Saudi” I was going for there. I blew it
elle
June 11, 2014 at 12:01 pm
can see it catching on in Europe, but not here. Too cumbersome when you’re going 200 on the SZR
spence
June 21, 2014 at 12:16 pm
ha ha! definitely a surprise to most
curious george
June 24, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Can’t see this lasting in Dubai, the flashing lights would terrify the natives
Mikey Mouse
June 25, 2014 at 12:14 pm
cars will be driving by themselves before this catches on in the Gulf
Andy
June 26, 2014 at 10:17 am
seems like a waste of battery power that might otherwise be used by 19-year-old boys to blast Arabic music out the window of a Land Cruiser
Shamsie
April 20, 2018 at 2:49 pm
This is “false News”, I have it from the highest authority it will never happen. The Institute of Asian Back Street Car Fixers (IABSCF) stated it would bankrupt the economy as an estimated 68% of GNP is raised from their workshops , in addittion new car sales would plumet and lastly the UAE taxi owners association said it would be i possible to trrain all their drivers in this new technique. Nearly as silly as planting trees in the countrys largest oil field to start a palm oil industry.