When is it necessary to use turn signals?

Using turn signals is essential whenever you intend to turn or change lanes. This practice serves a critical purpose in enhancing road safety and ensuring that other drivers and pedestrians are aware of your intentions. By signaling, you communicate your next move, allowing those around you to anticipate your actions and react accordingly, which can prevent accidents and collisions.

For example, when you are turning at an intersection or merging onto a highway, signaling to indicate your direction provides valuable information that helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and contributes to overall road safety. It's a fundamental aspect of defensive driving, which emphasizes the importance of anticipating the behavior of other road users.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the primary reason for using turn signals, as signaling is not solely contingent on the presence of other vehicles or traffic conditions.