In a business or residential area you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning. Drivers may signal in two ways:
- Electrical turn signals — Apply the right turn signal for a right turn and the left
turn signal for a left turn. - Hand and arm signals — Should be given with your left arm. For a right turn, the
hand and arm are extended straight up. For a left turn, the hand and arm are extended straight out to the left. To slow down or stop, the hand and arm are extended
down.
Right Turns
- Give a right-turn signal from the proper turning lane.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles and other vehicles in the
intersection. - Check traffic approaching from the left.
- Follow the general curve of the curb as you make the right turn. Stay as close as
possible to the curb.
Right Turn Left Turn Slow or Stop
- Turn into the right-hand lane of the roadway you are entering.
- Be aware that trucks and buses may need more space to make a right-hand turn.
Left Turns
- Give a left turn signal from the proper turning lane.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles and other vehicles in the
intersection. - Check all approaching traffic.
- Point the wheels straight ahead until you actually start to turn.
- Complete the turn into the lane closest to you going in your intended direction.
Changing Lanes
- When moving your vehicle from the right-hand lane to the left-hand lane, turn your
head to check traffic behind you and on your left. Give the left turn signal, then carefully move into the left lane. - When moving your vehicle from the left-hand lane to the right-hand lane, turn your
head to check traffic behind you and on your right. Give the right turn signal, then
carefully move into the right lane. It is against the law to flash your turn signals as
a courtesy or “do pass” signal to other drivers.
Importance of Using Turn Signals
Drivers usually overlook the importance of using turn signals. However, many accidents could have been avoided if only turn signals had been used.
By simply letting drivers know which direction you want to go, other vehicles and even pedestrians will be able to predict your moves.
Turn signals are an essential indicator of movement, and using them responsibly means doing your part in keeping the road safe for everyone.
Turn Signals and Technology
Luckily for today’s generation of new drivers, there are many innovative technologies available on the market nowadays.
For example, car manufacturers have been adding features such as turn signals showing up in the side mirror. With this, drivers can know if their turn signal is working and pointing in the right direction they’re turning.
We also have the right-hand turn cameras available now, which stops drivers from turning when there is an object in his or her blind spot. Some even show an image of what’s behind you, while others have beepers that alert drivers when they are not supposed to turn yet.
Yes, there are even some car companies are manufacturing cars with features that automatically activate turn signals.
These are just some of the examples. And although some argue that relying on technology too much can be a disadvantage at some point, just imagine how awesome it will be to have an evolving technology that can contribute to road safety.