There is a major epidemic sweeping across America which, if left ignored, can inflict injury or even death upon those infected and those who come in contact with an infected person. Surprisingly enough, there hasn’t been any media attention given to it despite its severity and massive spread across the entire continent of North America.
Scientists and medical professionals have not addressed it or even acknowledged its existence. The primary carrier first starts showing signs of infection at age 16, while anyone (regardless of sex or race) can contact it at any age. It first started making its appearance in the United States in the mid 1980’s but the number of infected individuals was relatively low. Its numbers peaked in the late 1990’s and we are currently seeing the highest numbers today and there is no sign of a slow-down.
There are no vaccines available to prevent its spread.
There are no medications available to treat the infected.
There are no preventible steps that can be taken by non-carriers other than common sense and a heightened sense of alertness to their surroundings.
The disease I speak of is called “indicator-atrophy.”
Indicator-atrophy is defined as an electrical imbalance in the part of the brain responsible for providing the impulse for the driver of an automobile or motorcycle to use the turn signal indicator. In infected individuals, the normal impulse to apply pressure to the turn signaling device in a vehicle when a pre-determined turn is about to take place is not sent to the left arm. Instead the individual makes turns and lane changes without signaling other drivers of their intent, putting the driver, passengers and other vehicles and their occupants at extreme risk of accidental injury or death.
Indicator-atrophy, despite being around for several decades, started to infect mass numbers of people as the popularity of hand-held cellular phones became commonplace. While drivers used their left hands to hold the phone’s handset to their ear while driving, the brain would attempt to send the signaling impulse to the arm. These attempts would be overridden by the individual’s overwhelming desire to talk rather than signal. Through repetition, the brain conditioned itself to no longer send the impulse, resulting in indicator-atrophy.
While there are no records kept regarding the number of people killed or injured due to indicator-atrophy, one can only speculate that the numbers are staggering. The risk is real. The threat is real. The consequences are dire if left untreated.
There is no medical treatment for indicator-atrophy, however some steps can be taken to if you’re infected:
- Switch to a hands-free device when speaking on the phone in an automobile.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel to avoid switching the phone to the right hand.
- Use the turn signal device even if the brain does not provide the proper impulse to engage it.
- Sit in a parking lot or driveway and simulate turn signal usage for 10 minute intervals every day to recondition the brain.
For those who wish to prevent themselves from being victimized by someone infected by indicator-atrophy:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Maintain at least 2 car lengths from the car in front of you – you don’t know if that person is infected or not.
If you are driving and you narrowly escaped an accident caused by someone infected by indicator-atrophy:
- Approach the vehicle slowly.
- Use lewd hand gestures to express your disgust or verbalize your feelings with plenty of emotion and profanity. (Shock therapy works well in some instances.)
- Refrain from using physical violence as you don’t want to be charged with assault.
It is important that every man, woman and child know about indicator-atrophy and what steps can be taken to mitigate risk. Help spread the word, as your life may depend on it.