At what approximate distance from your intended turn should you activate your signal?

Activating your signal at approximately ½ block away from your intended turn is the correct practice and aligns with safe driving protocols. This timing provides sufficient notice to other drivers and pedestrians, allowing them to anticipate your turn and adjust their actions accordingly.

The rationale behind this distance is to create a clear signal of your intentions without being too distant, which might confuse other road users about your target direction. In urban settings where blocks are shorter, ½ block provides an effective balance between signaling early enough to communicate your intention and not overly signaling that would lead to any misunderstanding.

Other distances, such as 1 block or 3 blocks, could be too far, potentially leading to confusion if the signal is seen as a premature indication of a turn. A distance of 400 feet might not translate directly to the local street context, as it can be variable based on driving speeds or road types. Thus, the ½ block distance is practical and adheres to recommended driving guidelines for signaling turns.