Is turning on your signal light before making a turn necessary?

Using your signal light before making a turn is mandatory as it is a key component of safe driving practices. Signaling your intentions to other road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, is crucial for ensuring that everyone is aware of your upcoming maneuvers. This helps prevent accidents and allows for smoother traffic flow.

By signaling, you communicate your intent to turn, which provides other drivers with the opportunity to react appropriately, whether that means slowing down, changing lanes, or adjusting their position on the roadway. Failing to use your signal can lead to confusion and increase the risk of collisions, particularly in busy traffic conditions or at intersections.

The requirement to signal applies in all driving scenarios, not just in city driving or during daylight hours. It's a fundamental element of traffic regulations that applies universally to promote safety on the road. Therefore, turning on your signal light before making a turn is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement aimed at protecting everyone on the road.