Turn Signal First or Shift Gear First?

[VonBentley]

Shift gear first and then turn on the turn signal. Here is a detailed introduction about car turn signals: Overview: Car turn signals refer to the flashing indicator lights that are activated when the vehicle is turning, alerting pedestrians or vehicles in front or behind to the direction the vehicle is moving. Based on the materials used, they can be classified into car turn signals and LED car turn signals. Based on their positions, they can be divided into front turn signals, rear turn signals, and side turn signals. Principle: The lamp tube uses a xenon lamp tube, and the microcontroller controls the circuit, enabling the left and right lights to flash alternately and continuously. According to their structure, the flashers of turn signals can be divided into three types: resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type.

[LaLukas]

After driving for so many years, I always insist on turning on the indicator light before shifting gears. The reason is simple: the light is a signal to surrounding vehicles. Turning it on a few seconds in advance lets others know your intentions, such as changing lanes or making a turn. Shifting gears is for adjusting speed or power, but if you shift without signaling first, the car behind might be completely unprepared, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. I remember one time when I was lazy and downshifted for a left turn without signaling—the driver behind almost hit me. It was terrifying. The essence of safe driving is communication, and the indicator light is our way of speaking. While shifting gears is easier in automatic transmission cars, the indicator must be operated manually. Developing this habit can help avoid trouble during peak hours. Taking an extra second or two won’t hurt.

[Gabrielle]

I always start with the operating sequence: when setting off, I first turn on the indicator light, then shift gears based on road conditions. This order is deeply ingrained because the light is the critical warning; if it's not on before switching to D gear or manually downshifting, others simply have no time to react. Especially at highway exits, forgetting to signal can lead to disaster. This principle is often mentioned among experienced drivers—it has saved me many times. Once the light is on, others have space to yield. Automatic transmission cars eliminate the clutch step, but the light remains the protagonist.

[OHarper]

As an experienced driver, I always emphasize signaling first before handling gear shifts. This is a safety protocol: the turn signal indicates intention, giving road participants advance warning time; gear shifting is merely a follow-up action. Reversing this sequence significantly increases risks during lane changes or turns. Manual transmissions require downshifting for acceleration, while automatics make it simpler. Remembering these steps can reduce the probability of accidents.

[OCayden]

I always signal first before considering a gear change while driving. Turn signals are the core of safety communication; shifting gears without signaling first leaves others unable to anticipate your actions. Technically speaking, while gear shifting in automatic transmissions has become electronic, turn signals remain manually controlled. Wrong sequence can create confusion.