How far in advance should a driver signal before making a turn?

Signaling in advance before making a turn is crucial for safety and communication with other road users. The requirement to signal at least 100 feet ahead of a turn is based on allowing sufficient time for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to react to your intentions. This distance gives a clear indication of your movement, helping to prevent accidents and ensuring smoother traffic flow.

By signaling 100 feet prior to the turn, drivers are meeting standard safe driving practices, which increase visibility and awareness in the area surrounding the vehicle. This distance also typically aligns with the general expectations of other road users, who anticipate hand signals or turn indicators well ahead of a driver changing direction. A shorter distance, like 50 or 75 feet, may not provide enough reaction time for others on the road, while going too far ahead may lead to confusion regarding the driver’s path. Thus, 100 feet strikes the right balance for effective communication on the road.