Why should you signal left when entering the highway from the ramp?
3 Answers
Using the left turn signal when entering the highway from the ramp is a legal requirement. When a motor vehicle enters the highway from the ramp, it must activate the left turn signal and merge into the lane without obstructing the normal flow of vehicles already on the highway. When exiting the highway, the vehicle should activate the right turn signal, enter the deceleration lane, reduce speed, and then exit. Additional information: 1. Entrance and exit ramps: These are auxiliary connecting sections for entering and exiting the main road, which can be "at-grade ramps" or "interchange ramps." They are the main traffic infrastructure constituting road interchanges. 2. Up and down ramps: These are auxiliary connecting slopes for entering and exiting elevated roads, moving upward or downward, usually "interchange ramps." 3. Direct ramp: Places the right-turn lane on the right side. 4. Indirect ramp: Places the left-turn lane on the right side, using a loop to connect to other roads. 5. Semi-direct ramp: Similar to the indirect ramp but without a loop, instead using a longer, more undulating elevated road as the connecting ramp. 6. U-turn ramp: A ramp designed for U-turns.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience who frequently travels long distances on highways, I can't stress enough how crucial the left turn signal is when entering from an on-ramp. When merging from the ramp onto the main road where speeds are slower and lanes narrower, activating the left turn indicator sends a clear signal to fast-approaching vehicles behind: 'I'm merging left!' This alerts trailing drivers to either accelerate past or change lanes to yield. Just last month on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, a car ahead merged without signaling, causing a truck to slam its brakes and narrowly avoid a multi-car pileup. Also worth noting - some modern ramp designs are exceptionally long, requiring signals to be held for over 3 seconds to provide adequate reaction time. Traffic regulations actually mandate turn signal use for lane changes, with penalties including fines and demerit points if caught on camera. Developing this habit can be lifesaving in critical moments.
When I was an instructor at the driving school, I always emphasized this detail to my students. Turning on the left signal before entering the highway isn't a casual action—it's a critical part of standard driving procedures. From a traffic engineering perspective, there's a speed differential between ramp vehicles and main road traffic. Using turn signals as visual cues can effectively reduce side collision accidents by 26%. During lessons, I teach students to pay special attention to three points: signal immediately upon entering the acceleration lane, check the left rearview mirror to confirm a safe distance, and keep the turn signal flashing until fully merged into the main lane. Common mistakes beginners make include checking mirrors without signaling or signaling for insufficient duration. At its core, this maneuver uses light language to communicate with other drivers—poor communication on highways can lead to major accidents in an instant.
