Is it necessary to turn on the left turn signal when starting a car?
3 Answers
When starting a car, you should turn on the left turn signal. In China, traffic regulations require driving on the right side, and vehicles are also parked on the right side of the road. When starting the car, you need to turn left to enter the road, so the left turn signal should be activated. Additionally, turning on the left turn signal before starting is a way to alert vehicles behind, bicycles, electric vehicles, or pedestrians to avoid traffic accidents. Below is relevant information: 1. Turn signals: Turn signals are important indicator lights that are activated when a motor vehicle turns to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal bulbs use xenon tubes, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, with alternating left and right flashes that operate continuously. 2. Structure and principle of turn signals: The resistance wire type can be further divided into thermal wire type (electric heating type) and wing type (spring type), while the electronic type can be divided into hybrid type (with contact relays and electronic components) and fully electronic type (without relays). For example, the spring-type flasher utilizes the principle of current thermal effect, using thermal expansion and contraction as the driving force to cause sudden movements of the spring piece, thereby connecting and disconnecting the contacts to achieve light flashing.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and every time I start moving, I signal with the left turn indicator—it's a basic requirement in traffic regulations to alert vehicles behind to yield. I remember once starting from the roadside in the city without signaling and almost got hit by an electric scooter behind me; luckily, I reacted quickly. According to traffic safety laws, when a vehicle moves from the roadside into the lane, the turn signal must be activated to indicate the direction. This isn't an unnecessary step but a crucial habit to avoid collisions. Especially during peak hours in the morning and evening when traffic is heavy, suddenly starting without signaling can easily startle others and cause accidents. I always remind myself to make this a habit, even when driving in residential areas—safety comes first. Ultimately, driving requires consideration for others, not just focusing on one's own convenience.
I'm a new driver who just got my license, and my driving instructor repeatedly emphasized the importance of turning on the left turn signal when starting off. He said this not only helps pass the test but also reduces the risk of accidents. Now, I always check the position of the turn signal switch before getting in the car, especially when starting in busy downtown areas, where extra caution is needed. The purpose of using the turn signal is to let surrounding vehicles know I'm about to move, avoiding rear-end collisions or reckless driving. Forgetting to signal could result in a fine if caught by traffic cameras. A friend of mine was once fined fifty yuan for failing to signal. Actually, once this habit is formed, it's not troublesome at all—just a few seconds can save a lot of trouble.
