When should you signal before making a turn?

Signaling at least 100 feet before making a turn is important for maintaining safety and communication on the road. This practice gives drivers and pedestrians enough time to notice your intention to turn, allowing them to adjust their actions accordingly. When you signal well in advance, it helps reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring that other road users are aware of your intended movement.

The rationale behind this rule is to provide adequate warning to other drivers and pedestrians, minimizing confusion and enhancing overall traffic flow. It's essential for everyone on the road to anticipate one another's actions to prevent last-minute surprises that could lead to collisions.

In contrast, signaling only when another vehicle is present does not provide sufficient notice and can create hazards, as it doesn’t account for the awareness of all road users. Signaling only at intersections overlooks the importance of notifying those navigating the area prior to entering the intersection. Additionally, signaling as you begin to turn does not allow enough time for others to react, increasing the potential for accidents.