General Motors Files Patent for Automatic Turn Signal Indicator System

According to reports, General Motors has submitted a patent application for an automatic turn signal indicator system to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, numbered US 2025/0187532 A1, was filed on December 11, 2023, and is set to be published on June 12, 2025. The list of inventors includes several engineers such as Vaibhav J. Lawand, Steven J. Vance, Mohammadali Shahriari, Mehdi Abroshan, Hassan Askari, Khizar Ahmad Qureshi, and Puneet Bagga. The patent describes a system aimed at assisting drivers who forget to use turn signals while driving. It utilizes sensors, vehicle data, and predictive software to determine when a driver is likely to turn or change lanes. Once the system predicts that a driver is about to turn, it automatically activates the corresponding turn signal without requiring any action from the driver. If a driver selects the wrong signal or fails to use a turn signal altogether, the system will issue an alert. In certain scenarios, the system can even override or delay the activation of the turn signal, such as when a driver’s hand is on the signal stalk but the signal has not yet been activated. What makes this system particularly noteworthy is its ability to use probabilistic modeling to predict driver intent. It takes into account the driver's past driving behavior, speed, sensor inputs, and map data to estimate the likelihood of a turn or lane change. This system far surpasses existing turn signal systems, capable of taking over the vehicle when a driver forgets to signal or makes a mistake, aiming to enhance safety and reduce road confusion. The system not only helps reduce accidents caused by drivers failing to signal before turning or changing lanes but also provides assistance to novice drivers, teenage drivers, and fleet vehicle operators who require additional safety features. Furthermore, it can provide feedback to drivers and even insurance companies regarding the frequency of missed or misused turn signals.