When should you activate your turn signal while driving?

Activating your turn signal at least 100 feet before making a turn is important for safety and traffic communication. This practice gives other drivers and pedestrians adequate notice of your intention to change direction, allowing them to react appropriately, whether that means slowing down, changing lanes, or preparing to yield. It promotes safe driving conditions by ensuring everyone on the road is informed of your movements well in advance.

When you signal early, it helps to prevent confusion or accidents that could arise from last-minute turns. Proper signaling is not only a legal requirement in many places but also a crucial component of defensive driving, as it fosters better cooperation among road users. Signaling only when you feel the need to turn, right before making the turn, or only when other cars are present does not give sufficient warning to others and can lead to unsafe driving situations.