Every car has one but not every driver uses it. Turn signals may be the most underutilized device in vehicles. Yet signaling is one of the most important actions you can make as a driver. By signaling you are warning other drivers of your impending moves to minimize hazardous surprises. Using a turning signal is actually quite easy, all you have to do is push the turning signal up or down depending on which direction you are choosing to go….So why is it so hard for people to use them? Is it laziness, forgetfulness, or just is we just don’t feel the need to do so?! Regardless of why we don’t use it, we have to start using it! There several reasons to use your turning signal, one of the most compelling is that it is illegal to not use your turning signal. Another is according to the Society of Automotive Engineers it is estimated that two million crashes per year are direct results of failure to signal! Avoid the head of dealing with a car crash and use your signals! If you’re unsure when it is appropriate to use your signal, have no fear I am here to save the day and throw some traffic knowledge at you so continue reading!

You should use your signal when…

Changing lanes:

• When you need to change lanes, turn on your turn signal first.
• This gives the cars around you ample time to slow down and prepare for you to get over.
• Then check your surroundings to make sure you have room to change lanes.
• Keep your turn signal on until you have gotten over completely, and then turn your signal off.
• Do not wait to signal until you are already in process of changing lanes.

Turning:

• There’s a big difference between slowing down to make a turn and slowing down because you realized you were speeding
• Turning right generally requires slowing down to almost a full stop (and turning left almost always requires coming to a full stop) to ensure you are making the turn at a safe speed and to assess your surroundings.
• Without your turn signal, the cars behind you are left to guess why you are breaking, and they may misjudge the situation.

Out of a side street:

• This important to let drivers know I you’re going left or right
• If you’re are turning right, you have the right away
• If you’re going left you don’t have to wait for the other people to go first

At a Stoplight:

• If there is a turning lane signal that you are going into that lane and leave your signal on until you’ve completed the turn
• If there is no turning lane it is especially important to use your signal so the cars around you know that you are turning