When should a turn indicator be used?

Using a turn indicator, often referred to as a blinker or signal, is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road. This practice enhances safety by allowing others to anticipate your movements. The correct answer embraces the broader context of driving, where a turn indicator should be employed not only when passing another vehicle but also when you are preparing to turn.

By signaling your intention to turn or pass, you help prevent accidents by ensuring surrounding vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians are aware of your maneuvers. Proper use of turn indicators is a fundamental aspect of driving etiquette and legal driving procedures, promoting smoother traffic flow and minimizing misunderstandings between road users.

The focus on using indicators for complete stops, lane changes, or just left turns fails to capture the full range of scenarios in which signaling is necessary. Hence, relying solely on any of these limited situations would compromise the safety benefits that proper signaling provides.