The action of activating a vehicle’s turn signal, often referred to by a particular term, involves manipulating a lever or switch typically located on the steering column. This causes the corresponding lights on the vehicle’s exterior to flash intermittently, indicating an intention to turn or change lanes. A common instance is before making a right-hand turn at an intersection, where the driver initiates the process well in advance of the maneuver.
Proper execution of this action is fundamental to road safety and promotes predictable traffic flow. It provides other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians with crucial information about the vehicle’s intended path, enabling them to react accordingly and prevent potential collisions. Historically, hand signals were used for this purpose, but the development and implementation of electrical turn signals significantly improved visibility and ease of communication between road users.
