How many feet before a turn should you signal?

Signaling at least 100 feet before making a turn is essential for ensuring safe driving practices. This distance gives other drivers and pedestrians adequate time to notice your intended maneuver, thus allowing them to react appropriately. It takes time for people to process visual information and respond, so signaling well in advance helps to promote a smoother flow of traffic and enhances overall road safety.

In Virginia, the law specifies signaling 100 feet before a turn, which aligns with safe driving principles to reduce the likelihood of miscommunication or collisions. This time and distance provide ample opportunity for others on the roadway to adjust their speed or position in response to your actions, ultimately aiding in the prevention of accidents.

While other distances might seem reasonable in some contexts, 100 feet strikes a balance between providing timely notice and not giving excessive time that may confuse other drivers. Therefore, adhering to the 100-foot guideline is both a legal requirement and a best practice for responsible driving.