Left turns at controlled intersections are one of the
most dangerous driving maneuvers. They don't have to be -- the dangers
can be controlled. The most important thing is to be knowledgeable --
and then MINDFUL -- of what they are.
When you enter an intersection, the immediate danger
is the traffic coming from your LEFT on the cross-street. Look left first,
to make sure all traffic is stopping before you enter the intersection.
Look left first, then right, then left AGAIN before you roll into the
intersection. A red light runner is going to arrive, on average, within
four seconds of the light change. You don't want to be there if he does.
Pull into the intersection (unless the law in your
state dictates otherwise), but leave room for left turners coming the
opposite direction to do the same. Modernized intersections have off-set
opposing left turn lanes, so that both directions have a good view of
the oncoming traffic. Some driving instructors will tell you NOT to enter
the intersection until it is clear to turn. I disagree. The greatest danger
in entering the intersection is the red light runner -- and after the
first four seconds that danger largely evaporates. Sitting behind the
crosswalk prevents others from making their left turns on that light cycle.
This is unnecessary and holds up traffic flow.
Once you're out there, yield to all oncoming traffic.
In my state, the left-turner must yield to ALL oncoming traffic, even
if they run the red light. This is because the left-turner is almost always
the last person with the opportunity to avoid collision -- since he is
typically sitting still, waiting for the traffic to clear. If you do not
have a clear view of the oncoming traffic, in all the lanes, then don't
begin your turn. When you see that all traffic has stopped, then you can
go. I am amazed at the number of drivers who gamble everything they have
by making BLIND left turns. I've watched some of them die. If you think
about how most people view yellow signal lights ("time to hit the
gas"), you understand the dangers!
Don't turn your wheels in the direction you are turning
until it is clear to go. If you are rear-ended while you are waiting,
your already-turned wheels will guide your vehicle into the oncoming traffic
-- so keep them straight until the way is clear to complete your turn.
Then, complete the turn into the correct lane.
One last hint -- if the traffic is heavy, the left-turn
lane is crowded, and it looks like it will take more than one light cycle
to be able to make a left turn, consider continuing through the intersection
and make three right turns instead. If you do this on side streets (not
private property) it's legal and often quicker (when traffic is congested).
Keep it between the fence posts!
<Rule
48: Give Way on Mountain Roads
Rule 50: Connect Your Mind to Your Eyes>
