When should you signal less than 100 feet ahead?

Signaling less than 100 feet ahead is primarily recommended in situations with heavy traffic or on freeways due to the need for clear communication with other drivers in these environments. On busy roads, drivers require ample time to react to your intentions, as vehicles are often traveling close together at high speeds. Signaling your lane change or turn too close can give surrounding drivers insufficient warning, potentially leading to collisions.

In heavy traffic, the risk of sudden stops or lane changes increases, making it essential to signal early enough for nearby drivers to adjust their speed or position in response to your actions. Similarly, on freeways where vehicles travel at higher speeds, early signaling is critical to ensure safety, providing drivers in adjacent lanes the time required to allow for smooth, safe merging or changing of lanes.

While scenarios like heavy rain, neighborhood streets, and nighttime driving may require varying degrees of signaling, the critical element during heavy traffic or on freeways is the high volume and speed, making early signaling vital for safety.