Why Turn on the Left Turn Signal When Entering the Highway from the Ramp?
3 Answers
Because the highway lanes are on the left, turning on the left turn signal informs vehicles in the rear lanes of your intention to prevent accidents. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Entering the main highway from the ramp: Accelerate the vehicle to approximately 60 km/h on the ramp while keeping the left turn signal on, then turn it off after merging onto the main highway. 2. Transitioning from one highway to another: When another highway merges from the right, try to stay in the left lane. 3. Entering the highway from the ramp: When merging from the ramp onto the highway, quickly accelerate in the acceleration lane and turn on the left turn signal to alert vehicles behind. Once the speed reaches the required limit, merge slowly into the traffic lane.
On the highway, the most nerve-wracking moment is when merging, especially when entering from the ramp. The fundamental reason we use the left turn signal is to clearly communicate your intention to vehicles on the main highway. Vehicles on the highway move at high speeds, and if you silently merge in, the car behind might not react in time, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or side impact. By using the left turn signal, you give everyone a few seconds' warning that you're moving left, allowing time for adjustments—such as the driver behind slowing down or changing lanes to give way. This isn't just an arbitrary rule; it's based on accident statistics—countless collisions prove that failing to signal is a common cause. Once you make it a habit, you'll find driving smoother and less stressful. Before entering the highway, always check that your turn signals are working properly to ensure safety. A small action can prevent major trouble.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've personally experienced the importance of using the left turn signal. When merging onto the highway from an on-ramp, road conditions can be complex and varied. For instance, during rush hour with heavy traffic, failing to signal is as dangerous as being invisible. Activating the left turn signal allows drivers on the highway to anticipate your move, giving them time to yield space or maintain distance, preventing sudden lane changes that could trigger hard braking or even chain-reaction collisions. This relates to road design: on-ramps typically merge from the right into the left main lanes, so signaling left clearly indicates your intention to move into the left lane. Consider that on highways where everyone's traveling at 100 km/h, any mistake can be fatal - yet this small detail could save your life. I recommend new drivers practice until signaling becomes an automatic reflex; it significantly boosts safety. Remember, good habits are the guardians of safety.
