Final answer:
You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes for safety reasons, especially in areas where vehicles tend to speed or where pedestrian traffic is high. Traffic signals help to manage the flow of cars and allow pedestrians to cross safely. In emergencies, decisions about traffic laws such as stopping at red lights may need to be weighed carefully.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lane position. Signaling in advance is crucial for safety and allows other drivers and pedestrians to anticipate your actions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
In situations where there are higher posted speed limits, or there are other factors that may affect visibility or reaction time, it may be advisable to signal even earlier than 100 feet.
For example, if you're driving through an intersection where many vehicles speed without regard to the speed limit, signaling early can be particularly important.
A traffic signal in such areas helps in managing the vehicle flow and increasing pedestrian safety, as it creates predictable patterns and times for crossing.
In emergency situations, such as when transporting a pregnant woman about to deliver to the hospital, the need to reach the destination promptly might make a driver consider whether to adhere to usual traffic laws, such as stopping at a red light.
Although rules generally should be followed, exceptional circumstances may warrant careful, utility-based decision making.