Drivers need to know what to expect from one another. Especially when approaching intersections, proper communication with approaching traffic is of the utmost importance for safety.
In cases where a driver intending to turn fails to use their signals as required by law, other drivers may react inappropriately or too late to avoid a crash due to the lack of communication that occurs. In such cases, the driver who failed to use their turn signals may be the party at fault for the collision.
Communicating before turning or merging is mandatory
Drivers who fail to communicate with others can cause preventable crashes and near-misses that put others in danger. State statutes clearly require that drivers activate their turn signals as they approach an intersection or a driveway where they intend to turn. They also need to use their signals before merging into another lane of traffic on a multi-lane road.
Failing to use a signal is a primary traffic infraction that can lead to a ticket. It is a serious enough traffic offense on its own to justify a police officer initiating a traffic stop.
The ticket assessed for the failure to signal a maneuver in advance ranges from $50 to $200, and the driver may need to pay court costs as well. The offense adds two points to the driver’s record. The failure to use turn signals can also lead to an officer designating a driver as at fault for a wreck.
Advising a police officer of observed traffic violations before a motor vehicle collision can help to facilitate an accurate crash report after they investigate. A driver who causes a crash as a result of communication failures may be responsible for compensating any people affected by that wreck.