How far away should you signal before making a turn?

Signaling your intention to turn is a crucial aspect of safe driving, and doing so well in advance allows other drivers and pedestrians to anticipate your movements. The correct distance to signal before making a turn is 100 feet. This distance is generally recognized as sufficient time for other road users to react appropriately to your intentions.

By signaling 100 feet ahead of the turn, you give sufficient warning to vehicles behind you, which allows them to adjust their speed or position if necessary. It also helps pedestrians and cyclists understand your intended action, thereby contributing to safer road conditions for everyone.

Signaling too close to the turn may catch others off guard, leading to dangerous situations, while signaling further than 100 feet could be unnecessary and confusing. The established distance ensures a balance between being informative and avoiding excessive signaling that does not provide additional safety benefits.