How can you tell if a driver is about to turn left?

The most reliable method to determine if a driver is about to turn left is through the use of their turn indicator or signal. When a driver intends to turn, they are required to signal their intentions to inform other road users of their planned actions. This not only helps to enhance safety on the road but is also a legal requirement in most areas. The turn indicator communicates to others, including pedestrians and drivers, that the vehicle is preparing to change direction, allowing for better anticipation and response from those around them.

Although a vehicle might slow down when preparing to turn, this behavior can vary and may not always signify a left turn. Drivers may slow for other reasons, such as approaching a stop sign or traffic light. Making eye contact can be helpful, but it's not a reliable indicator of intent. Similarly, flashing headlights does not universally signal a left turn and can have multiple meanings, depending on the context. Thus, using a turn indicator is the most clear and standardized way to identify a driver's intention to turn left.