What is the primary purpose of using turn signals?

The primary purpose of using turn signals is to alert other drivers of your intention to turn or change lanes. This communication is crucial for maintaining safety on the roads, as it informs surrounding drivers about your movements, allowing them to react appropriately and avoid potential collisions. Utilizing turn signals helps ensure that everyone on the road is aware of your intentions, which contributes to smoother traffic flow and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

The other options, while they may be relevant in different contexts, do not pertain to the main function of turn signals during vehicle operation. For instance, indicating the time of day is unrelated to driving and does not help with road safety. Communicating with pedestrians does occur, but it is not the primary purpose of turn signals, which are aimed primarily at other drivers. Finally, while signaling for emergency vehicles is important, the use of turn signals is specifically intended for informing other road users about your directional changes.