Signal in advance
It seems to me that the cars of today, are not manufactured with turn signals. They must not be. They are not being used. Or, they are being turned on right at the intersection. The idea, (I know, most people don't know this), is to turn them on 500 FEET before they are ready to turn, to warn other drivers that they are slowing down to turn. Too many people either don't care or do not know this. Then, they cry when they get rear-ended.
Mike Benedick
York
Sorry Mike, the requirement is 100 feet. Check the driver’s manual.
That advice is great, Don, as long as you never go over 35 miles per hour! Under 35: 100 feet, over 35: 300 feet. Using your turn signal is not one of those things where it's "cool" to break the rules. They are meant to make traffic flow more safely and smoothly; for everyone. So pretty please, with a cherry on top, use your @#$%^&* turn signals!
What, you want me to use my turn signals? I've already got one hand on the phone, one holding my food, and a third with a curling iron! How am I supposed to use the signal?
Yep, there are a lot of idiots out there driving these days! We need to remind police and judges that driving is a privilage, not a right. It needs to be revoked more often than just DUI's in my opinion.
Matthew – when was the last time you were traveling above 35 MPH and making a right or left turn? The blog clearly addressed “intersections”.
Not very likely, Don, but I have been traveling at over 35 300 FEET before a turn! I don't make the rules, Don, PENNDOT does. It sounds to me like your looking for an excuse to be a slouch behind the wheel!
Matthew – What, can you read? I was simply stating what is in the driver’s manual. Your insult was uncalled for and adolescent. For the record, I signal an appropriate distance prior to turning and yes it is based on speed. I would submit however, that signaling too far in advance can be just as dangerous as not signaling soon enough. If someone is signaling and driving past several driveways without turning, another driver may inadvertently plow into their rear end when they finally do turn. People might just think the person has the directional on to demonstrate that they are an idiot.
I guess, Don, that your drivers manual differs from what I remember from taking my driving test AND what I saw on penndot's website last night!
Matthew,
From the PA drivers manual:
Signaling when changing direction.
Signaling tells others you want to make a
turn, but it does not give you the right to
make a turn. Under Pennsylvania law, you
must always use your turn signals at least
100 feet before turning, if you are driving
less than 35 mph. If you are driving 35 mph
or more, you must signal at least 300 feet
before turning.
From the Vehicle Code:
§ 3334. Turning movements and required signals.
(b) Signals on turning and starting.--At speeds of less than 35 miles per hour, an appropriate
signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet
traveled by the vehicle before turning. The signal shall be given during not less than the last 300 feet
at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. The signal shall also be given prior to entry of the vehicle
into the traffic stream from a parked position.
No place does it say 500 feet.
Peace…