Why Should You Turn on the Left Turn Signal When Starting?
2 Answers
In China, traffic laws require driving on the right side of the road, and vehicles are also parked on the right side. When starting, the vehicle needs to turn left to enter the road, hence the left turn signal should be activated. 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. Extended content: The following situations require the use of turn signals: 1. Left turn signal: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be activated in advance. 2. Right turn signal: When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside, the right turn signal should be activated in advance. 3. Entering a highway from a ramp: When a motor vehicle enters a highway from a ramp, the left turn signal should be turned on and the vehicle should merge into the lane without hindering the normal traffic flow on the highway.
Turning on the left turn signal when starting is very important. Having driven for many years, I believe it's primarily for safety alerts. When you start from the roadside, activating the left turn signal allows vehicles and pedestrians behind to know in advance that you're about to move, so they can slow down or yield, avoiding rear-end collisions or accidents. Especially in busy traffic areas or under low visibility conditions, such as rainy days or at night, failing to signal may lead to misjudgment. I remember once starting on the highway shoulder without signaling, and a car behind almost hit me. Reflecting afterward, developing this habit can truly be life-saving. In fact, it's also a requirement of traffic regulations, and violating this rule may result in a fine. I recommend that new drivers strictly adhere to this practice from the beginning, making signaling a natural reflex—not only enhancing driving safety but also demonstrating courteous driving behavior.
