Understanding Turn Signals and How to Use Them
Written by Mary Salatino
Using a turn signal is a fundamental part of driving that should be second nature for most people. It’s a legal requirement that’s in place to help reduce accidents.
Although signaling is important, many drivers either forget to do it or misuse it. This can lead to accidents and even traffic violations!
Because turn signals are vital, we’re here to give you the inside scoop. You’ll learn how they work and when to use them, common problems, legal requirements and the difference between turn signals and hazard lights.
What Are Turn Signals and How Do They Work?
Turn signals are flashing signal lights that communicate a driver’s next move to others on the road. Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you flip that lever?
Located on all four corners of a vehicle, turn signal lights activate when the driver moves the turn signal lever. These lights are also sometimes located on side mirrors. The signal lever is usually positioned to the left of the steering wheel. This action completes an electrical circuit that directs power to the signal lights on either the left or right side of the vehicle.
What about the blinking light and the timely clicking sound? Where does that come from? A flasher relay sends pulses of electricity to the bulbs or LEDs, creating the blinking pattern and ticking sound that confirms the signal is in use.
Most modern vehicles also include a self-canceling mechanism in the steering column that automatically turns the signal off once the steering wheel returns to center after a turn.
When To Use Turn Signals
Turn signals should be used any time you’re about to make a move while driving. But when does this apply? The short answer is that you should use your turn signal more than you think.
This includes making left or right turns at intersections, changing lanes, merging into traffic, exiting roundabouts and pulling into or out of parking spaces. You should also make sure to signal when parallel parking, so others know that you’re planning to maneuver into a spot.
Wondering exactly when to use your signal? Drivers should signal 100 feet before an intersection or lane change. This way, nearby drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have enough time to react. Even when traffic appears light or nonexistent, it’s still crucial to flip on the turn signal to avoid accidents.
How to Use Turn Signals
If you need a refresher, here are the steps: signal first, check mirrors and blind spots and then make your desired move. Keep the signal on the entire time and only turn it off once the movement is complete.
While most vehicles automatically cancel turn signals after a turn, they may not do so after a lane change, making it important for drivers to check and manually turn the signal off if needed.
Signaling early and in the right scenarios improves communication with other road users and can help prevent side collisions, rear-end crashes and merging accidents.
In many areas, drivers must activate their turn signals a minimum distance (often about 100 feet) before making a turn at an intersection. Failing to signal properly can result in traffic citations, fines and points on a driver’s record.
Proper signaling reduces sudden movements that can lead to side-impact collisions, rear-end crashes and intersection accidents. Wondering if you should click on your blinker? Chances are, you should.
Common Turn Signal Mistakes
It’s easy to fall into bad driving habits, especially as an experienced driver. One of the most common mistakes is signaling too late or when in the middle of a turn.
This gives other drivers less time to react and defeats the purpose of using a turn signal in the first place. Another frequent issue is forgetting to signal during lane changes, which can get you caught in someone’s blind spot.
Leaving a turn signal on accidentally is another common problem. When a signal continues flashing after a turn or lane change, it can confuse other people. Some drivers also use hazard lights instead of turn signals while moving, which can create uncertainty about their intentions. Turn signals are only for communicating direction, while hazard lights are meant to warn of emergencies or stopped vehicles. Avoiding these mistakes and using consistent signaling makes a huge difference.
Automatic and Self-Canceling Turn Signal Features
Modern vehicles are designed to make signaling easier and safer. One of the most convenient features is the self-canceling turn signal, which automatically turns off after completing a turn. Here’s how it works and what you should know:
- Most vehicles include a self-canceling mechanism that turns the signal off automatically after a turn.
- A part in the steering column, called a cam, detects when the steering wheel returns to center.
- This feature helps prevent drivers from leaving signals on unintentionally.
While automatic cancellation works well for full turns, it might not deactivate after slight steering movements, such as lane changes.
Drivers should always glance at the dashboard indicator to confirm the signal has turned off. If a turn signal regularly fails to cancel, it may indicate wear in the steering column components and should be inspected promptly.
Turn Signals vs. Hazard Lights: What’s the Difference?
Many drivers confuse turn signals and hazard lights, but each serves a distinct purpose. Understanding the difference can improve communication on the road and help prevent accidents. Turn Signals
- Indicate a planned turn or lane change
- Flash on one side of the vehicle only
- Used while the vehicle is moving
Hazard Lights
- Warn other drivers of a stopped, disabled or slow-moving vehicle
- Flash on all four corners of the vehicle at the same time
- Typically used during emergencies or roadside stops
Although both systems often share the same bulbs, they operate on separate circuits. This is why hazard lights may work even when turn signals do not. Knowing when to use each system ensures clear communication and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Make Road Safety a Priority
Responsible drivers use turn signals consistently to help keep everyone on the road safe. Small actions like signaling before a turn or lane change prevent accidents, reduce road rage and create smoother traffic flow.
SafeMotorist offers access to resources that help you build these safe driving habits and increase your safety. Take a defensive driving course to brush up on your skills or enroll in driver’s education to begin your journey.
But when in doubt, use your turn signal! Who knows, you might save a life.