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When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, how far should you be prior to changing lanes to turning

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Final answer:

When preparing for a turn and changing lanes, a safe distance to begin signaling is typically at least 100 meters before the turn, adjusting for speed and conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing for a turn and changing lanes, it is essential to do so at a safe distance to ensure a smooth and safe maneuver. While the exact distance can vary based on speed and road conditions, a good rule of thumb in ideal conditions is to start signaling at least 100 meters before the turn. This distance provides sufficient time for other drivers to recognize your intentions and for you to safely change lanes and prepare for the turn. However, when traveling at higher speeds or in poor conditions, increase this distance accordingly to ensure safety.

As for pedestrian safety, when considering crossing a street, it's important to assess the speed and distance of oncoming traffic. A car traveling at 60 km/hr will cover a distance much faster than one moving at a lower speed. If a car is 28 meters away, equating to approximately 8 car-lengths, it may not be safe to walk across the road without a proper pedestrian crossing signal, as the car could reach your crossing point too quickly for you to cross safely.

Pedestrians should consider the speed and distance of oncoming traffic when deciding to cross a road, and a car 28 meters away might not allow safe crossing without a pedestrian signal.

When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, it is important to be at a safe distance from the turn before changing lanes. The distance will depend on the speed of the cars and the time it takes for you to safely change lanes. Generally, it is recommended to signal and start changing lanes about 3 to 5 seconds before the turn, giving you enough time to merge into the desired lane without impeding the flow of traffic. It's important to remember that the specific distance may vary depending on the traffic conditions and any local regulations.

User David Schlosnagle
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