- The Bermuda Road Safety Council’s monthly slogan for September is Signal Early. Having the ability to communicate your intent to other drivers is essential to your safety and the safety of others.
According to the TCD Traffic Code Handbook – Traffic Signs and Signals section 51 states-
“Before you stop, slow down or change direction, give the appropriate signal clearly and in good time. If you use a direction indicator, see that it is turned to neutral as soon as your movement is completed. It also states: the purpose of signals is to inform other road users of your presence or what you intend to do. Signals are informative in that they may give notice of an intention to carry out a maneuver. They give a warning, not an instruction and give no right whatsoever to carry out the intended action unless it is safe.”
All vehicles are equipped with various lights and warning devices to allow you to communicate with drivers and pedestrians on the road. Turn signals allow you to visually warn other drivers when you’re taking a turn or changing lanes, while your brake lights will warn the driver behind you that you are slowing down or about to stop. Too often, while traveling on our roads we see instances of vehicles turning without giving warning to other drivers.
Before using your indicators it is important to always check your mirrors, including your side and rear view to ensure that they are clear. Drivers must also give sufficient amount of time from putting on their indicator to when they turn, to ensure that vehicles behind them have sufficient time to react. It is advised that indicators are turned on 3-5 seconds before the driver has to turn. Having an indicator on for too long can be a hazard so always make sure you turn your indicators off after completing your maneuver.
Turn signals provide an effective means of communication to let other drivers know where you are going so that they can act accordingly. By communicating with vehicles that are both behind you and in front of you, you’re doing your part to keep everyone safe on the road.
The BRSC encourages all drivers to take the time to practice these small driving behaviors that make a big impact on our roads. We would also like to remind the public to drive with care and caution, don’t drink and drive, and to reduce their speeds.
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