On my way. How to use turn signals correctly? (video)

For the entire life of the car, we can turn on the indicators up to 220 44 times. However, many drivers forget this important signal, especially when parking, leaving a roundabout and overtaking. According to an Abertis Global Observatory study conducted in about a dozen countries, about 5% of drivers do not turn on the indicator when overtaking and changing lanes. Here are the XNUMX flasher rules you need to remember.

The safety principle of the mirror-signal maneuver

Before each maneuver, we must be sure that we can perform it safely. Always start by looking around and into your side mirrors. If our movement does not interfere with any other vehicle, let's turn on the alarm in advance so that other cars notice our intention. Also, remember that if the flasher is on for too long, other road users may not understand what and when we are going to do.

Turn signal does not mean priority

When we change lanes or turn onto a different street, we are required by law to use the indicator. However, the inclusion of a light signal does not mean that we can start the maneuver. We must comply with traffic safety regulations and allow vehicles with the right-of-way to pass in front of us.

Signal each stage of the maneuver

Not all drivers forget to turn on the turn signal at the next stages of the maneuver. When overtaking, we should have the flasher turned on until the end of the lane change maneuver, turn off when overtaking the overtaken car, and then turn on again when returning to the previous lane.

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Departure from the roundabout

Failure to use the indicator while driving on a roundabout can easily result in a collision or unpleasant rubbing against another vehicle. So although we are not required to signal the direction of the exit before entering the roundabout (technically this is even considered a police error), we must turn on the right turn signal in advance of our exit, but only after passing the previous one. At roundabouts with multiple lanes, such as turbine roundabouts, we must also keep the indicator in mind if we want to change lanes.

Braking is not always a good reason

Stoplights should be the main light signal during heavy braking. In many modern cars, the brake light flashes during such a sharp maneuver, but older models can also be equipped with an auxiliary light with this function. However, the police allow the use of hazard warning lights if we want to signal to other road users that we need to limit speed, for example, because we notice thick fog or a traffic jam on the road.

From physical blades to dynamic LEDs

Behind the invention of turn signals is the pre-war movie star Florence Lawrence. The actress was a real lover of cars, she had a large collection of various models at her disposal. She was not limited to driving cars, but also repaired and improved them. In 1914, she used her creative mind to create movable blades to show the direction of a car. One hundred years later, innovative LED technology can be found in cars, which allows you to indicate the direction of movement with a dynamic light signal.

– LED technology is more economical and safer than conventional incandescent lamps, which have been the standard for many years. LEDs can function seamlessly for the life of the vehicle without requiring replacement,” explains Magnolia Paredes, Head of Electronics Development, Lighting and Testing at SEAT. “Today, we can design light signals that also cover the area of ​​the side mirrors, which completely changes the perception of the car on the road.

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