Dangers of Failing to Signal and How to Prevent Accidents

“Horns blare, brakes screech, a loud crash… it all happens in a split second because the truck ahead suddenly turns without signaling.” Many of us have witnessed or even been victims of such dangerous traffic situations. So, what exactly is failing to signal when turning? Why is it so dangerous, and how can we prevent it? This article will provide the answers.

Failing to Signal: A Silent Killer on the Road

What is Failing to Signal When Turning?

Failing to signal is the act of a driver turning (left, right, or making a U-turn) without using turn signals to alert other vehicles.

Why is Failing to Signal So Dangerous?

According to Le Van An, a traffic safety specialist at the Vietnam Institute of Transport Strategy, “Failing to signal is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Vietnam.” This is understandable because:

• It Creates Surprise: Sudden turns leave other vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction with no time to react, leading to collisions.
• It Makes Prediction Difficult: Without turn signals, other drivers struggle to anticipate the truck’s movements, especially in bad weather or limited visibility.
• It Increases the Risk of Serious Accidents: Due to their large size and heavy weight, trucks often cause severe or even fatal accidents when collisions occur.

Truck accident caused by failure to signal

Better Safe Than Sorry: Tips to Prevent Failing to Signal

For Truck Drivers:

• Always use your turn signals at least 30 meters before turning, ensuring other vehicles have enough time to see and react.
• Check Your Surroundings: Before turning, thoroughly check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure no vehicles are approaching.
• Reduce Speed: Slow down before turning for better control and to handle unexpected situations.

For Other Drivers:

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Especially when driving near trucks, maintain a safe following distance to allow enough space and time to react if the truck turns.
• Stay Alert: Pay close attention and anticipate potential situations while driving, particularly in crowded areas, intersections, and crossroads.
• Be Patient and Yield: Be a courteous driver, patiently waiting if a truck shows signs of turning.

Truck driver using turn signal

Failing to Signal: Important Considerations

• Penalties: According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, failing to signal can result in fines ranging from 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
• Responsibility: In case of an accident caused by failure to signal, the violating driver will bear full responsibility.

Conclusion

Failing to signal, though seemingly minor, poses a significant risk of traffic accidents. Let’s be civilized and responsible road users, always obeying traffic laws to ensure safety for ourselves and the community. Remember, “Traffic safety is happiness for everyone”!

Do you have any questions about failing to signal or other truck-related issues? Leave a comment below!

You Might Be Interested In:

• Truck Inspection Services in Hanoi
• Truck Financing Consultation
• Truck-Restricted Roads in Hanoi