When should you activate your turn signal while driving?

Activating your turn signal when turning or changing lanes is crucial for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road. This action enhances safety by alerting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians nearby that you are about to make a maneuver that may affect their movements. It is a legal requirement in most places, including Maryland, to signal prior to executing a turn or lane change, which helps to prevent accidents.

While signaling before entering an intersection can also be important, it is specifically when you are turning or changing lanes that the signal serves its most vital purpose. Signaling at a red light or only when another vehicle is present does not provide a complete picture of responsible driving practices, as you should always signal your intentions as a matter of course, rather than just under certain conditions.