When you intend to change lanes in heavy, rush-hour city traffic, what is the best practice?

When you intend to change lanes in heavy, rush-hour city traffic, what is the best practice?

• A. use your turn signal
• B. not use your turn signal as it may alert the other driver of your intentions and they may close the gap
• C. use your turn signal for lane changes to the right only due to reduced ability to see to the right of your vehicle
• D. flash your turn signal lights no more than two times so it will not distract the other drivers

Answer: (A)

Communicating your intent to other drivers is essential when changing lanes. Using your turn signal lets surrounding vehicles know you plan to move, giving them time to adjust speed or position and creating a safer gap in heavy, congested traffic where vehicles are packed tightly and surprises are more likely. In practice, turn on the signal well before you start the lane change, check mirrors and blind spots, and keep the signal on until you have completed the maneuver. This steady, early indication helps others anticipate your move and respond safely. Choosing not to signal is unsafe and often illegal, because drivers cannot predict your intentions. Signaling only to the right ignores lane changes in other directions and isn’t reliable in busy traffic. Flashing lights briefly isn’t an adequate substitute for a proper turn signal and can confuse or mislead other drivers; use the turn signal continuously as you merge.

Communicating your intent to other drivers is essential when changing lanes. Using your turn signal lets surrounding vehicles know you plan to move, giving them time to adjust speed or position and creating a safer gap in heavy, congested traffic where vehicles are packed tightly and surprises are more likely.

In practice, turn on the signal well before you start the lane change, check mirrors and blind spots, and keep the signal on until you have completed the maneuver. This steady, early indication helps others anticipate your move and respond safely.

Choosing not to signal is unsafe and often illegal, because drivers cannot predict your intentions. Signaling only to the right ignores lane changes in other directions and isn’t reliable in busy traffic. Flashing lights briefly isn’t an adequate substitute for a proper turn signal and can confuse or mislead other drivers; use the turn signal continuously as you merge.