Why is it important to use turn signals?

Using turn signals is crucial for alerting other drivers and road users about your intended direction, which contributes to safe driving practices. When you signal your intentions to turn or change lanes, you provide essential information that helps prevent misunderstandings and accidents on the road. Turn signals give other drivers the ability to anticipate your actions, allowing them to react appropriately, whether that means slowing down, changing lanes, or maintaining a safe distance.

Effective communication through turn signals is a fundamental part of cooperative driving, as it ensures that all road users are aware of each other's movements, thereby enhancing overall road safety. Failure to use turn signals can lead to dangerous situations since other drivers may not be able to predict your actions, which can result in collisions or near misses.

The other options pertain to different aspects of driving that do not directly reflect the primary purpose of turn signals. Indicating speed or improving vehicle performance does not relate to the function of signaling direction changes. Compliance with vehicle inspection laws is important, but it does not encompass the everyday driving etiquette and safety that turn signals fulfill on the road.