CDL Driving Safely: Communicating

Signal Your Intentions to Other Drivers

Turn signals
- Signal well before you turn, while you are turning and don’t forget to turn off the signal after you turn.
- Signal before you change lanes and change lanes slowly and smoothly.
Brake lights
- Use your brake lights to signal:
  - Slowing down
  - Right turns
  - Trouble ahead
  - Stopping to unload cargo and passengers
  - Driving slowly

Signal other drivers when passing, when it’s hard to see and when parked on the side of the road.
Emergency warning devices should be placed when parked on the side of the road within 10 minutes.
- One way road or divided highway:
  - 10 feet, 100 feet, 200 feet toward approaching traffic
- Two-way or undivided highway:
  - 10 feet to the front or rear and 100 to the front and rear
- Curved road:
  - Within 100-500 feet of the vehicle.
  - If vehicle is obstructed, move to signal to point back down the road.

Note: Use your horn with caution as it can distract other drivers.