When should a driver use turn signals?

Using turn signals is essential for safe driving and communication with other road users. The correct approach is to signal before making a turn or changing lanes. This practice alerts other drivers and pedestrians of your intentions, helping to prevent accidents and misunderstandings on the road.

A driver should activate their turn signal well ahead of the maneuver to allow sufficient time for others to react accordingly. This enhances overall road safety by promoting a predictable environment for all users, which is particularly critical in busy traffic situations.

The other choices do not encompass the comprehensive nature of effective signal use. For example, signaling only when changing lanes or restricting it to residential areas ignores the necessity of indicating turns in all driving situations, regardless of the location. Additionally, relying on passenger requests can lead to inconsistencies and confusion about when to signal, undermining the driver's responsibility to communicate clearly and proactively with other road users.