When making a turn, what should you always remember to do?

When making a turn, signaling your intentions beforehand is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Signaling communicates to other drivers and pedestrians what you plan to do, providing them with the necessary information to anticipate your actions. This is particularly important in maintaining a predictable traffic environment and reducing the risk of collisions.

In addition to safety, signaling is also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Maine. It is important to activate your turn signal well in advance of your turn to give others ample time to react accordingly. This practice fosters courtesy and cooperation among all road users and helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic.

While checking mirrors is also an important part of preparing to turn, signaling takes precedence as it directly informs others of your intentions. Turning sharply can be unsafe, as it may not allow enough time for other drivers to adjust their speed or position. Additionally, speeding up while turning can be hazardous, as it reduces your control over the vehicle and increases the likelihood of losing traction or misjudging the turn. Thus, signaling beforehand is the most important action to prioritize when making a turn.