Car turn signals play a fundamental role in road safety and communication between drivers. Although a report on driver behavior in 2022 prepared by Autopistas reveals that only 33% of light vehicles signal the overtaking maneuver and the return to the original lane, throughout the useful life of our car we can manage to use the turn signals more than 200,000 times.
This latest data, published in the magazine Traffic and Road Safety of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), underlines the importance of a small gesture that can make a difference in road safety. Turn signals not only indicate our actions to other drivers, but are also an essential tool for preventing accidents and maintaining an orderly flow of traffic.
Beyond playing a relevant role in road safety, these flashing lights also play a fundamental role as a source of information for the driver himself. When they activate with an unusually fast speed, they are transmitting the message that there is an anomaly that is important to worry about.
The accelerated flashing of the turn signals, for the most part, is related to problems that are due to electrical failures. Carglass explains on his blog that this anomaly has to do with three possible problems with the car’s electrical system that we are going to review below.
While it is true that a turn signal that works quickly fulfills the function of signaling a maneuver, we should not sit idly by and assume that everything is in order. It should be remembered that the operation of the turn signals is one of the aspects that are reviewed in the periodic ITV inspections.
The regulations establish that the blinking cadence must be between 60 and 120 beats per minute. If the turn signals are not within this range, this will be classified as a minor defect in the MOT, and although it is possible to pass the process, it must be corrected within a maximum of two months.
Turn signals are mandatory to signal certain maneuvers. They are the following: lane changes, turns and changes of direction, overtaking, roundabouts, merging into traffic and parking. According to the General Traffic Regulations, failure to use these lights can result in a fine of 200 euros. In addition, signaling inappropriately or doing so without due notice is also subject to a fine of 80 euros.
