Signaling Tips

Reminders for You

Ever notice how some longtime drivers have a tendency to get careless about signaling? Here are some driver tips and reminders on signaling, courtesy of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. These tips would be excellent to share with family members as well.

• Always signal at least five seconds before you change lanes at freeway speeds.
• Always signal before every lane change. Also, look over your shoulder and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• Always signal before pulling next to or away from the curb.
• Always signal even when you don't see other vehicles around. A vehicle you don't see might be in your blind spot and may hit you.
• Always signal to let other drivers know your plans.
• Always signal when you change directions.
• Always signal your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. Caution - Even though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you wish to occupy is clear.
• If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals also.
• If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he or she may pull out in front of you.
• Motorcyclists often use hand signals to make themselves more visible. Bicyclists may give right turn signals with their right arm held straight out, pointing right.
• Remember to cancel your signal after turning, if it doesn't turn of by itself.