[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]
