Here in Texas

Why Don't All Cars Have Turn Signals?  And Why Don't School Zones Automatically Slow Engines?

I've noticed over the past few years that turn signals must be a very expensive option on cars.  So few are in use that I'm sure it must be due to the high cost of manufacturing and that they are no longer required to be on cars.  My vehicle is about 6 years old and there have been many changes in that time.

You must pay attention when you drive so you can avoid those vehicles - of course, you don't always know which cars/trucks/suvs/semis etc have blinkers untll it is too late and someone is changing lanes with an inch to spare in front of you.  So perhaps the 'NO' sign should cover the spot where the turn signals should be located.

Some people must be getting the economy version - 1 blink at a time.  Usually, I've noticed that those people may use the 1 blink option after they've almost completed the change; that way you don't know if they are going to change lanes again.  That 1 blink option wasn't available when I purchased my current vehicle.

I wonder if you get a discount at the vehicle inspection locations when you don't have the turn signals or you have the 1 blink turn signals?

I enjoy reading driver's minds, don't you?  The challenge is invigorating.  I just don't understand why they don't put a 'No' insignia where the turn signal is supposed to be so those of us who know what they are and how to use them (and how to read them assuming another car actually uses their blinkers) will know that we need to pay close attention to those vehicles.

They should be required on vehicles or if you really really don't want to pay for the optional turn signals, then all vehicles should have the engine drop when a turn is detected.

Another mandatory vehicle safety feature that should be included in all vehicles is a slow down the engine automatically to 20 mph in school zones.  Many school zones have solar powered school zone signs so they could just add another little contraption to force all vehicles to slow to 20 mph.   That way, vehicles wouldn't be able to speed up to the 10 miles over the regular speed limit until the end of the school zone is reached instead of when the end of the school zone sign is spotted - regardless if it is still .5 mile away.  That's assuming they slowed down in the first place.

But the downside would be the decrease in school zone tickets - and I see SOOO many of those being written (note:  read the sentence with a lot of sarcasm in case you missed it the first time).