| Driving safely is the
fundamental expectation of every motorist on
the road. Know where you are going and
communicate your intentions to others
whenever the need arises. Turn
signals may be the most underutilized device
on a car. Yet signaling is one of the most
important actions you can take as a driver,
warning other drivers of your impending
moves to minimize hazardous surprises. You
might not see a car in your blind spot, but
that car's driver might see your turn signal
start to blink before you move into his
lane.
Failing to signal may be the cause of
quite a few accidents and is probably a big
source of "road rage" as well. Providing
adequate warning of an intended maneuver,
particularly in heavy traffic, is not only
courteous, it is a safety precaution. Any
change in direction of travel affects other
drivers. The nature of the chain reaction
which follows depends on the length and
clarity of the notice given. Most
importantly, it should always be
aforethought that deploying your turn signal
does not imply any priority of passage nor
guarantee acknowledgment. That is to say,
while the responsibility rests with one
driver to signal his intentions, it is
equally onerous of all drivers and even
pedestrians to be aware of each other's
presence and behavior.
Signaling does not give you the
right-of-way. Signaling lets other drivers
know that you are going to do something
different and gives them time to react to
your move. Using your turn signals is a form
of communicating which means clearly showing
other drivers and pedestrians what you plan
to do early enough to avoid a collision. Any
time you plan to change directions, use your
turn signals - whether you are changing
lanes, turning at an intersection or
driveway, entering a freeway, pulling away
from a curb or pulling off to the side of
the road. Develop the habit of using your
turn signals even when you do not see other
vehicles on the road.
The vehicle you do not see is the most
dangerous one. Here are some rules to
follow:
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Signal at least 4 seconds
before you turn so other drivers
will have time to react. |
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If you plan to turn beyond
an intersection, do not signal
until you are in the
intersection (drivers in the
intersection may pull into your
path. |
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After you complete your
move, be sure your turn signal
is off. |
Arizona law designates
which lanes and positions you must use
when turning and requires you to signal
at least 100 feet before you turn.
Remember, what you do can affect the
driver behind you and in front of you.
Communicate your plan and use your turn
or arm signals.
| The Arizona
Department of Transportation,
Motor Vehicle Division now
places their Arizona Drivers
License Manual on-line for
review of traffic laws. |
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