Should the left turn signal be used when overtaking without changing lanes on the highway?

[ThomasLynn]

When overtaking without changing lanes on the highway, it is not necessary to use the left turn signal. Below are some precautions for driving on the highway: 1. Overtaking: Be extremely cautious when overtaking on the highway. Always use the turn signal before overtaking, and overtake from the overtaking lane. Avoid developing the bad habit of overtaking from the right side. After signaling, do not overtake immediately; also pay attention to the road conditions behind you. When conditions permit, accelerate and maintain a lateral distance of 1.5 meters from the vehicle in front. 2. Maintaining longitudinal distance between vehicles: Generally, on dry roads with good braking conditions, the distance between vehicles (in meters) should not be less than the speed (in km/h). For example, at a speed of 80 km/h, the distance should not be less than 80 meters, and at 100 km/h, it should not be less than 100 meters. Always pay attention to roadside distance markers.

[EmersynLee]

I've been driving long-haul trucks for over a decade, and even when overtaking without changing lanes on the highway, you should still use your left turn signal! Although you're staying in your own lane, signaling tells the vehicles ahead and behind that you're about to accelerate to pass. Especially at night or in rainy conditions, when the car behind sees your left turn signal flashing, they'll know you're about to overtake and won't suddenly speed up. Once, I forgot to signal while overtaking, and the car behind honked like crazy—it almost caused a rear-end collision. Remember to turn off the signal once you've completed the overtaking maneuver, so other drivers don't mistakenly think you're changing lanes. Safety first, brother!

[JosiahRose]

A few days ago, I just took a beginner on the highway, and using turn signals when overtaking is especially important. Think about it—how fast are cars going on the highway? Turning on the left signal is like saying, 'Hey car ahead, I’m about to pass you on the left.' That way, the driver in front can glance at the rearview mirror and know you’re overtaking, avoiding sudden lane changes that might force you to brake hard. Even if you’re just passing without changing lanes, trucks behind you will notice your signal and keep a safe distance. I’ve seen too many accidents caused by overtaking without signaling—don’t skip this small but crucial step.

[OArianna]

The driving instructor made it crystal clear: you must signal before overtaking, regardless of whether you're changing lanes. It's like raising your hand when crossing the street—a form of communication. On the highway, if you don't signal left before overtaking, the car behind has no clue what you're about to do. What if they're just about to speed up and pass you? Two cars running side by side is the most dangerous scenario. Once, I was in a friend's car when he overtook without signaling, and a truck suddenly changed lanes next to us—scared the life out of me. Seriously, even just flashing the signal for two or three seconds makes a difference.