Traffic rules allow drivers to navigate intersections with relative safety. By requiring that drivers yield the right of way or stop in certain circumstances, traffic statutes allow vehicles to move safely and efficiently through high-volume areas.
Unfortunately, drivers crossing paths with others at intersections can easily make mistakes that lead to collisions. They might perform a rolling stop instead of coming to a complete stop. They may fail to properly monitor their surroundings. Even perfectly legal decisions that drivers make might increase their risk of a collision. One maneuver is particularly dangerous at busy intersections. It is responsible for a majority of all the intersection crashes reported each year.
Turning left is slow and dangerous
Driving on the right-hand side of the road makes right turns fast and relatively safe. On the other hand, driving in the right lane also makes left-hand turns quite dangerous. Drivers end up exposed to all lanes of oncoming traffic and generally have to complete the maneuver at a relatively slow speed. If a crash occurs, it is likely to be a side-impact collision, which is one of the most dangerous and deadly forms of crashes.
Researchers have found that more than 60% of the collisions at intersections involve at least one vehicle turning left. Issues ranging from a failure to signal to a failure to monitor traffic contribute to those wrecks. Many professional drivers and transportation companies attempt to limit left-hand turns to reduce crash risk.
How can drivers use this information?
Obviously, it isn’t realistic for a driver to simply stop turning left entirely. However, they can make informed choices about where and when they turn left. Choosing a slightly longer route when going to the store during the afternoon rush hour could be a smart choice. So could avoiding turns at busy intersections whenever possible in favor of turning at locations with less traffic. Monitoring others carefully before completing a left turn is also a smart move.
Drivers may be able to substantially reduce their risk of a motor vehicle collision after they understand how dangerous turning left can be. Learning more about traffic safety statistics can benefit those hoping to avoid life-altering wrecks.