How many seconds in advance should the turn signal be turned on?
2 Answers
Generally, you should turn on the turn signal about 10-20 seconds in advance before changing lanes, so as to give the following vehicles enough reaction time, which is more conducive to traffic safety. The reasons are as follows: Turning on the turn signal three seconds before changing lanes allows the driver to better confirm the rationality of the lane-changing timing and also gives the rear vehicles time to prepare for avoidance. Second, completing the lane change within 10 seconds can reduce the probability of sudden situations during the lane-changing process. The longer the lane-changing time, the higher the risk coefficient, because during the lane-changing process, the driver's actions occur in at least two lanes. Therefore, once the timing is confirmed to be appropriate, the lane-changing action should be done quickly and neatly. Lane-changing techniques: Observe road traffic signs and markings in advance; when changing lanes to avoid obstacles, the lane change should be performed appropriately in advance; the lane change should be completed within a distance of 50 to 60 meters.
When I first learned to drive, I often struggled with the timing of turning on the turn signals. My instructor emphasized the importance of activating them early to give following vehicles enough reaction time, generally recommending turning them on 3 to 5 seconds before changing lanes or making a turn. At first, I was a bit hung up on this timing, but with practice, it became second nature—like counting to three in my head before taking action. Especially when driving at high speeds, you need to increase the lead time a bit; 5 seconds is safer, otherwise others might not have enough time to slow down, which could lead to accidents. In poor visibility conditions like rain or at night, you should also turn on the signals earlier. Remember, developing this habit can make the roads smoother. New drivers can try applying it in real traffic situations more often, and it will gradually become natural.
