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

Warning Other Drivers

• 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.