Why Should You Turn on the Left Turn Signal When Starting?
2 Answers
Starting with the left turn signal on is because China's traffic laws require driving on the right side of the road, and vehicles are also parked on the right side when stopping. When a vehicle starts, it needs to turn left to enter the road, hence the left turn signal is used. Additionally, turning on the left turn signal before starting serves as a warning to vehicles behind, bicycles, electric scooters, or pedestrians to avoid traffic accidents. Here are some precautions to take when using turn signals: 1. Watch for cars moving independently on the left: Many drivers forget about cars coming from the left when making a right turn. Hastily turning without caution can lead to accidents or scrapes. 2. Pay attention to nearby crosswalks: Always check in advance if there are pedestrians crossing the crosswalk. If there are, yield to pedestrians first to prevent accidents. 3. Be aware of left-turning vehicles in the opposite lane: When making a right turn, always check if there are vehicles in the opposite lane that need to turn left. If there are, let them go first, as according to traffic rules, left-turning vehicles have the right of way.
Turning on the left turn signal when starting to drive is crucial for safety warnings. Having driven for decades, I deeply understand that the vehicle behind might be accelerating or not noticing my start. If I don’t turn on the left signal, they may mistakenly think I’m still parked, risking a rear-end collision. This is especially dangerous during rain or at night when visibility is poor. Developing this habit has helped me avoid many minor accidents and reminds other drivers to stay alert to changes. From a broader perspective, starting the car is a signal of vehicle movement, effectively saying "I’m moving," which can reduce traffic congestion and minor collisions. Following this rule isn’t just for personal safety but also for the harmony of the entire traffic system.
