Vehicle safety is the responsibility of all drivers on the road. It is up to you to not only protect yourself and your family but also to practice safe driving so the roads are safer for everyone. Turn signals are an important part of ensuring roads are safe because they allow others to know your intentions when making turns. Additionally, completing a turn before changing lanes is important to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Signs and Markings
When turning, it is important to follow not only signs and traffic lights but also markings on the road. Pay attention to what is happening around you instead of cutting across several lanes of traffic. Some intersections provide more than one turn lane in the same direction making it even more important to stay in your lane.
Right Turns
When turning right, stay close to the right-hand side of the lane to avoid exiting the lane while turning. Avoid hitting curbs so you do not lose control of the vehicle. It is also important that you completely make a right-hand turn before changing lanes. Traffic traveling through intersections or making U-turns may not be aware of your intent to turn right since they are approaching from different directions.
Left Turns
When turning left, stay in your lane until you have completely made the turn. Some intersections allow multiple lanes to turn left so changing lanes mid turn can be dangerous. Pay attention to signs when preparing to turn, if you know that your next move will cause you to move across traffic, ensure that you are able to safely do so and plan ahead.
Intersections are often dangerous and cause many accidents each year. By staying in your lane completely through the turn, you are making intersections safer for everyone.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: DriversEd.com “Making Right and Left Turns” | Photo
