Most people simply take the most direct route to their destinations when they drive. They may travel on some of the busiest roads and interstates in the area. They may find themselves trapped in rush hour gridlock or stuck at a busy intersection for multiple light cycles before they can reach their destination.
In some cases, they may even unknowingly expose themselves to elevated crash risk. Every left turn exposes the driver completing the maneuver to significant risk. Research indicates that over 60% of intersection collisions involve a vehicle turning left.
While turning left is legal and sometimes necessary, it is also relatively risky. What factors make left turns so dangerous?
Increased exposure
Traffic in the United States stays on the right side of the road in most circumstances. That arrangement means that turning right is relatively fast and safe, while turning left is slower and leads to more exposure. Those turning left have to cross through the center of an intersection and expose themselves to every oncoming lane of traffic. They are at risk of angle collisions from every direction until they successfully finish the turn.
Communication issues
Turn signals are a mandatory safety system included in all modern vehicles. They make it quick and easy to effectively communicate with others in traffic. Unfortunately, it has become relatively common for drivers to simply forgo the use of their turn signals. Especially when there is a designated turn lane, drivers may assume that their location is adequate to communicate their intent to others. A failure to communicate the intent to turn may contribute to crash risk when turning left.
Surveillance issues
People approaching intersections should treat them as the dangerous locations that they are. Unfortunately, many drivers do the opposite. As they slow down while approaching an intersection, they may use that as an opportunity to check their mobile phones. They may fail to properly monitor approaching lanes of traffic. Drivers might proceed straight through an intersection without yielding the right of way. They might fail to notice a driver in the middle of a turn.
Left turns are lawful when executed properly, but they are relatively risky. Drivers who are aware of that risk can take steps to optimize their safety and traffic. They can also seek justice when others cause crashes. Holding other drivers accountable if they are at fault for left-turn car crashes can help people cover property damage and injury-related expenses.