When should you signal your intention to change lanes?

Signaling your intention to change lanes is a crucial aspect of safe driving, and doing so at least 100 feet before merging allows other drivers to be aware of your actions. This advance notice helps maintain safety on the road by providing sufficient time for nearby vehicles to react to your intentions.

By signaling early, you contribute to better communication among drivers, which is essential for preventing accidents. This practice ensures that all road users can adjust accordingly—whether by changing their speed or position—effectively enhancing overall road safety. Communicating your intentions also helps establish predictability, which is vital for driving in traffic.

The context of signaling during daylight hours or solely when the lane is clear does not address the necessity of informing others about your upcoming maneuver in a timely manner. Additionally, signaling while already changing lanes does not give other drivers the necessary warning to react properly, potentially leading to unsafe situations.