When should you use your turn signals?

Using turn signals anytime you change lanes or make a turn is essential for safe driving and helps communicate your intentions to other road users. This practice increases the predictability of your actions on the road, allowing other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to anticipate your moves. It is a crucial part of defensive driving, promoting safety for everyone.

When you signal every time you change lanes or make a turn, it reduces the chances of accidents that could arise from misunderstanding or surprise. Inevitably, it builds a standardized form of communication among drivers, making the roads a safer environment.

Choosing to signal only when other drivers are present fails to account for situations where there may be pedestrians or cyclists who could also be affected by your actions. Limiting signal use to residential areas neglects the fact that signaling is vital in all driving environments, not just in neighborhoods. Finally, signaling when you feel like it is unreliable and inconsistent, undermining the purpose of the turn signal entirely. Consistent use of turn signals is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of road safety.