When should you signal your intent to turn?

Signaling your intent to turn before you reach the intersection is essential for safety and communication with other road users. By doing so, you provide ample warning to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians about your intentions, allowing them to adjust their behavior accordingly. This practice helps to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.

Signaling in advance allows other road users to anticipate your actions and makes the road safer for everyone. Generally, it is recommended to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn, which gives enough time for other vehicles to respond to your signal.

The other options do not provide adequate notice to others on the road. Signaling only at the intersection or while already in the intersection is likely to create confusion and increase the risk of a collision, as it offers no warning to nearby drivers or pedestrians. Additionally, signaling only when another vehicle is present does not account for the responsibilities of driving; safer driving practices require signaling regardless of whether there are other vehicles in the vicinity.