Rules of the Road: Think about how you use turn signals

Directional signals, sometimes referred to as turn signals, provide a very important function.

They indicate to both pedestrians and other vehicles that can see your vehicle what you intend to do.

They communicate that you are planning to turn either right or left or that you plan to change lanes.

Our turn signals should be turned on in a timely manner, usually about 100 feet prior to a turn.

We also must use turn signals when we are changing lanes and when we are merging onto Interstate 19.

Turning on your turn signals does not give you the right to turn or change lanes. You must always check to see that the way is clear. Turn signals don’t always go off after you have turned them on, so check to see that they are not on by mistake.

Don’t pull out in front of another car that is indicating a turn … the turn signal might be on in error. Wait until the vehicle has turned and is safely out of your intended path.

Using turn signals correctly is a good driving habit and it might just save you a visit to the Green Valley Court.

Watch for my next RULES OF THE ROAD and practice good driving habits.

Rules of the Road is a public service from the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers in Green Valley.