Turning blinkers should be activated at least 100 feet before the turn in urban areas, which may be roughly 3-4 car-lengths, and further in advance on high-speed roads. The distance may vary by location and should accommodate for a reaction time of about 0.5 seconds, ensuring safety.
The distance at which you should turn on your turning blinker before making a turn is typically at least 100 feet in urban areas, and this distance may be greater on higher-speed roads, often around 200 feet or more. This allows other drivers and pedestrians ample time to notice your intention to turn and to react accordingly. It's important to signal early enough to give others on the road time to adjust their actions, ensuring safety for everyone.
Estimating this distance can be based on landmarks, signage, or knowing the general feeling of what 100 feet or more looks like while driving. In real-world conditions, this would often be similar to signaling approximately 3-4 car-lengths before reaching your turn in city driving. However, always check local traffic laws as they can vary by location and road type.
Regarding reaction time and safety, when considering factors like seeing a red light or the distance necessary to stop a car, it is crucial to add ample time for driver reaction, which is typically about 0.5 seconds. This is important when determining if it's safe to cross an intersection or when measuring stopping distances on dry or wet pavement.