Directional Signals are Vital to Safe Driving
[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” seperator_1=”” ts_row_bg_effects=”” ts_row_bg_image=”” ts_row_bg_source=”full” ts_row_break_parents=”4″ ts_row_zindex=”0″ ts_row_min_height=”100″ ts_row_bg_position=”center” ts_row_bg_position_custom=”” ts_row_bg_size_standard=”cover” ts_row_bg_size_parallax=”cover” ts_row_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” seperator_2=”” ts_row_parallax_type=”up” ts_row_bg_alignment_v=”center” ts_row_bg_alignment_h=”center” ts_row_parallax_speed=”20″ seperator_3=”” ts_row_automove_speed=”75″ ts_row_automove_scroll=”true” ts_row_automove_align=”horizontal” ts_row_automove_path_h=”leftright” ts_row_automove_path_v=”topbottom” seperator_4=”” padding_top=”30″ padding_bottom=”30″ margin_left=”0″ margin_right=”0″ single_color=”#ffffff” seperator_5=”” gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_color_start=”#cccccc” gradient_start_offset=”0″ gradient_color_end=”#cccccc” gradient_end_offset=”100″ seperator_6=”” video_youtube=”” video_background=”” video_mute=”true” video_loop=”false” video_start=”false” video_stop=”true” video_controls=”true” video_raster=”false” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column width=”1/3″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_single_image image=”3815″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column_text]As a safe operator of a motor vehicle, you can avoid many collisions while driving by using your directional signal, as well as being alert for other drivers using their directional signal. It is not possible for other drivers to correctly predict your actions without proper communication. Your directional signal may be used to indicate your intention to make a turn, change lanes or merge. Illinois Law states that you must appropriately signal your intention to turn in a city/residential area no less than 100 feet prior to the turn. On the interstate or rural highways it is required that you signal no less than 200 feet prior to making a move. The purpose of communicating your intentions with your directional signals is also important for the drivers behind you, as you will be braking to a safe speed before making your turn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” seperator_1=”” ts_row_bg_effects=”” ts_row_bg_image=”” ts_row_bg_source=”full” ts_row_break_parents=”4″ ts_row_zindex=”0″ ts_row_min_height=”100″ ts_row_bg_position=”center” ts_row_bg_position_custom=”” ts_row_bg_size_standard=”cover” ts_row_bg_size_parallax=”cover” ts_row_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” seperator_2=”” ts_row_parallax_type=”up” ts_row_bg_alignment_v=”center” ts_row_bg_alignment_h=”center” ts_row_parallax_speed=”20″ seperator_3=”” ts_row_automove_speed=”75″ ts_row_automove_scroll=”true” ts_row_automove_align=”horizontal” ts_row_automove_path_h=”leftright” ts_row_automove_path_v=”topbottom” seperator_4=”” padding_top=”30″ padding_bottom=”30″ margin_left=”0″ margin_right=”0″ single_color=”#ffffff” seperator_5=”” gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_color_start=”#cccccc” gradient_start_offset=”0″ gradient_color_end=”#cccccc” gradient_end_offset=”100″ seperator_6=”” video_youtube=”” video_background=”” video_mute=”true” video_loop=”false” video_start=”false” video_stop=”true” video_controls=”true” video_raster=”false” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column width=”1/1″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column_text]
Lane Changes
While lane changes might seem like a pretty simple task, they can be quite complex, especially on a busy roadway. There are many things to be aware of when you’re making a lane change such as approaching obstacles, cars speeding in your intended lane and the length of the lane.
After checking to be sure that there are no pedestrians or other vehicles in your path, use your directional signal to indicate your intention to make a lane change. You cannot make a lane change without properly indicating your intention to do so, or if the dividing lane line is solid demarcating that it is illegal to do so. Signaling, before even checking your mirrors and blind spot, gives the drivers around you the opportunity to potentially alter their speed or path in order to allow you a safer and more simple lane change.
While changing lanes, keep your turn signal on until you’ve completed the lane change. Don’t jerk the wheel to change lanes. The transition should be smooth and steady.
Turn Lane
When you’re in a turn lane, you still have to use your directional signal to indicate your turn. Other drivers entering the area might not know that there is a turn lane, as the signal may be painted on the pavement below your vehicle. Also knowing if a driver intends to turn is important for establishing right of way. To learn more about navigating intersections read our blog (at link)
When you use your directional signal, you are alerting other drivers to the turn. Even if you are taking a right-hand turn in a right turn only lane, you must use a directional signal. While it might seem obvious that you’re making a turn, it’s always best to leave no doubt about the direction you’re headed. At intersections, there are many lanes with drivers performing different movements. It can be confusing.
Bearing to the Left or Right
When the road forks in two or more directions, you must use a directional signal to alert other drivers of your intended path of travel. This is helpful when there are other drivers entering from side streets, and there are vehicles behind you as well. Don’t forget to turn off the directional signal after you’ve proceeded down the road. If you leave the directional signal on, it could confuse other drivers who might turn in front of you since they think you’re making a turn.
Maintaining Your Directional Signals
It’s important to have working directional signals on your vehicle. The Police can pull you over and you may be issued a citation for not using your signal appropriately. It’s vital to your safety as well as other drivers on the road to make sure your signal lights are working. Often, the bulbs can burn out in the directional signal. Check them occasionally to be sure they are in working order. Don’t wait for your inspection every year. Once a month, it’s a good idea to check the headlights, brake lights, reverse lights and directional signals.
On newer cars if your directional signal dashboard indicator blinks faster than normal, that means either one of your bulbs has gone out or something is wrong with your wiring. You can also check your directional signal when you park close to a structure by turning on each directional signal and if you see the blinking light they are working.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Frequently asked questions
How far before a turn does Illinois require you to signal?
Illinois law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before a turn in a city or residential area. On interstates and rural highways, the minimum is 200 feet because higher speeds mean drivers behind you need more time to read your intentions and adjust. Signaling early isn't just about the turn itself, it's also a heads-up that you're about to brake to a safe turning speed. Wait too long and the car behind you may not have time to slow down with you.
When should I signal during a lane change?
Signal first, then check your mirrors and blind spot. Putting the signal on before you start scanning gives the drivers around you a chance to adjust their speed or path so your lane change is smoother and safer. Confirm there are no pedestrians or vehicles in your path, keep the signal on until you've fully completed the move, and make the transition smooth and steady, no jerking the wheel. And remember, if the lane line dividing you from the next lane is solid, the lane change is illegal regardless of your signal.
Do I still need to use my turn signal in a dedicated turn lane?
Yes, even in a right-turn-only lane you must use your directional signal. Drivers entering the area from side streets, parking lots, or other lanes may not realize there's a turn lane there, especially when the arrow is painted on the pavement and hidden under your vehicle. Signaling also establishes right-of-way at the intersection. Don't assume your intention is obvious, leave no doubt about which direction you're headed, particularly at busy intersections where multiple lanes are doing different things.
Why does using a turn signal actually matter for safety?
Other drivers can't read your mind. A directional signal is the only reliable way to tell the cars behind, beside, and in front of you what you're about to do, whether that's turning, changing lanes, merging, or bearing left or right at a fork. When you skip the signal, drivers around you have no chance to alter their speed or path to give you space, and that's how collisions happen. Signaling is one of the simplest defensive driving habits and it costs you nothing.
Do I need to signal when the road forks into two directions?
Yes. Anytime the road splits into two or more directions, use your directional signal to tell other drivers which way you're going. This matters most when there are vehicles entering from side streets or following behind you, because they're trying to anticipate your path. A quick signal eliminates the guesswork and keeps everyone in the right lane for their own destination.
