Turning Skills: Turn Signals + Making Turns Safely

Imagine you’re driving on a busy street, and the car in front of you suddenly swerves to make a turn without signaling. You’re forced to slam on your brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. Then again, if you’ve driven very long, especially in any decent sized Texas city, that story didn’t take much imagination at all.

Using your turn signals isn’t just polite—it’s important for keeping everyone safe on the road. By using them correctly and learning how to turn safely, you can help prevent accidents and make traffic move more smoothly.

Turn Signals—Your Key to Communication

Why Signaling Matters

Turn signals are vital communication tools on the road. They inform other drivers and pedestrians of your intentions, helping to prevent misunderstandings and collisions. In Texas, as in most places, using turn signals is not just good practice—it’s the law. Failing to signal can result in fines, penalties, crashes, and possibly unsolicited comments from other drivers!

When Signaling Matters

You should use turn signals any time you plan to change direction. Unless other drivers know your intentions, you may wind up hurting more than their feelings.

Safe turning begins with preparation. Before making a turn, check your mirrors to assess the traffic around you. Slow down gradually to avoid sudden stops, and position your vehicle in the correct lane well in advance. Proper positioning prevents last-minute maneuvers and increases predictability for other drivers.

When you signal, be sure to do it early and clearly.

• Turn on your signal before starting any of your turning maneuver
• Turn on your turn signal within approximately 100 feet of your turn
• Do not turn on your signal if there is another turn opportunity before the one you’re intending to take
  • Signaling when another turn is available may lead to confusion with other drivers

Executing a Turn

Right Turns

Stay as close to the right edge of the road as possible. After checking and signaling, turn your car into the proper lane. As in the diagram, wait until it’s your turn to turn.

Left Turns

Approach the turn from the leftmost lane or the designated lane for left turns. You must have your signal on, even if it is a designated turn lane. Again, as in the diagram, wait until it’s your turn to turn.

Roundabouts

Always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and use your turn signal to indicate when you are about to exit the traffic circle.

Turning Off a Freeway

Signal well in advance (at least 300 feet) of your turn and gradually reduce your speed. Be aware of vehicles behind you that may not expect a turn on the highway

Completing the Turn

Once you’ve completed your turn, smoothly merge into the new lane. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Check your blind spots: Make sure everything’s clear before merging into the new lane
• Signal if necessary: If you need to change lanes again after your turn, activate your turn signal
• Merge smoothly into the new lane: Avoid jerky movements and maintain a steady speed to match the flow of traffic

Safe Driving Starts with You

Learning to turn safely begins with using your turn signals to let others know what you’re doing. By following the tips and strategies here, you’ll become a more confident and predictable driver, helping to make the roads safer for everyone.