How long should you signal before making a lane change?

Signaling is a critical aspect of safe driving, especially when making a lane change. The correct answer indicates that you should signal for approximately 3-4 seconds before changing lanes. This duration allows sufficient time for other drivers, as well as any cyclists or pedestrians nearby, to notice your intention to change lanes. Providing a clear signal helps to reduce confusion on the road and enhances overall traffic safety.

By consistently signaling for this duration, you communicate your intentions more effectively, allowing those around you to react appropriately, whether that means giving you space to merge or adjusting their speed. In contrast, signaling for too short a time, such as 1 second, may not give other drivers enough notice, increasing the risk of collisions or near misses. Similarly, signaling for an excessively long duration might confuse other drivers about your intent, as they may not understand when you actually plan to make the move. Therefore, a 3-4 second signal aligns with the best practices for lane changes and promotes safer driving habits.