When turning at an intersection, which signal is required to alert other drivers?

Using turn signal indicators when turning at an intersection is essential for communicating your intentions to other road users. This signaling system is designed to provide clear and visible alerts to drivers and pedestrians around you, letting them know that you are preparing to change direction.

When you activate your turn signals, it allows other drivers to anticipate your actions and adjust accordingly, enhancing overall safety on the road. This practice is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving, as it helps prevent misunderstandings and potential accidents during turns.

While hand signals and brake lights may convey some information, they do not replace the necessity of using turn signals. Hand signals can be more difficult for other drivers to notice and accurately interpret, especially in low visibility conditions. Brake lights primarily indicate when a vehicle is slowing down or stopping, rather than signaling a planned turn. Hazard lights serve a different purpose, which is to indicate a temporary hazard or a vehicle in distress, rather than an impending turn. Thus, utilizing turn signal indicators is the standard and most effective means of ensuring safe communication on the road during a turn.