Driving instructor and new columnist Terry Plummer brings Diss Express readers a few hints and tips on safe driving.
Modern driving techniques train you that a signal should always be considered when a driver or rider is planning to change direction.
But the question you should always ask is 'will it assist other road users without causing confusion?'
If the answer is yes, signal early – if it's likely to cause confusion don't signal.
For an accurate assessment
- you must apply all-round observation, especially utilising all mirrors.
- If there are no other road users about, and that includes pedestrians, why signal at all?
You must signal
- early – This gives time for others to plan and act.
- It could also assist drivers to exit a junction in heavy traffic.
- correctly – A wrong indication is worse then no signal.
- But cancel as soon after the hazard as possible. This could confuse someone waiting to exit from the next junction.
You must not signal
- automatically – This implies poor mirror observations.
- when about to move away from the kerb and waiting for following traffic – (Unless it is a designated parking bay.)
- Other drivers may think you are about to pull out in front of them and brake sharply causing a crash.
- when entering a roundabout where you intend to take a straight ahead route off.
- Think of a roundabout as a clock – on at 6 o'clock and off at 12.
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