Blinker alert — always use your signal well ahead of turn

Q Just read your article on new driving laws. How about an article on laws that we’d like to see? — Kevin Weber

A I’m game and by popular demand, it’s back to using our blinkers.

Q There are bozos who use their blinkers but only turn them on a nanosecond before they’re gonna turn. — Lynda Ellingson, Cupertino

A Drivers are required to turn on blinkers during the last 100 feet before turning if “any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.” But even though you signal, do not assume that the next lane is clear, even when you do not see other vehicles.

Q I have no problem using signals. Sad to say, now a blinking light means speed up even if there is plenty of room for a safe merge. Their goal. Don’t let them in! — Linda Moreland, San Jose

A A truth we sadly know.

Q Turn your signals on and count three blinks before starting your lane change. This gives others time to react. I am always amazed to see drivers turning on their signal after having commenced their turn. — Jack Nilsson

A On the freeway, safety gurus recommend we allow at least five seconds to signal before changing lanes.

Q Gotta love drivers who look like they are going straight (no turn signal) all of a sudden dart across the intersection after the light has turned red. — John Stevens

A If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he or she may pull out in front of you.

Q I like your recent column on using your blinker. I am fairly religious about it, but wonder about this situation:

You are on a freeway, approaching an exit. The exit is one of the standard two-lane “right lane must exit, next lane may exit” ones. You are in the “next lane” and plan on exiting. Should you signal your intention?

Pro: It will signal the driver behind you that you are going to take the exit.

Con: It may incorrectly signal the driver behind-you-and-to-your-right that you are going to move into his lane. — Bob Ayers

A Over the many years, I’ve gotten different answers from my cop contacts. Most say if you are in the lane that must exit you aren’t required to signal.

But most agree that if you are in the next lane and can go straight or exit right, signal your turn.