Why is Turning Left so Dangerous?

When it comes to driving, you can’t just drive straight forever. At some point, you’ll need to make a turn. Whether you turn left or right, you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings.

Turning right tends to be fairly easy. You can even do it when the light is red, as long as you stop and look first.

Turning left? That’s a little more complicated. Even when you have the green light, sometimes you have to yield to drivers who are going straight. You may be prohibited from making a U-turn. Or perhaps you have to wait for pedestrians.

The thing is, you have to cross multiple lanes of traffic. This puts you at risk if, for example, a vehicle fails to stop at a stop light. Making a left turn is actually considered to be one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can make. In fact, millions of accidents occur every year due to left-hand turns, accounting for about one-quarter of all car accidents.

Making a left turn at an intersection is not as easy as you may think. It can be tricky and dangerous, even for the most experienced drivers. Here are some reasons why:

• Motorists tend to underestimate the speed of oncoming traffic. You might think you have plenty of time to make the turn, but the truth is that oncoming traffic may travel faster than you think. This can lead to severe accidents if you don’t give yourself enough time to complete the turn.
• Left turns are often made across traffic. When making a left turn, you are essentially crossing traffic. This can be dangerous, as oncoming traffic might not see in time.
• Obstructions are common when turning left. When making a left turn, you need to be aware of potential obstructions. Sometimes other vehicles will block the view of oncoming traffic. Pedestrians can also cause obstructions, especially if crossing against the light.
• Weather conditions can make left turns more difficult. Weather conditions can make left turns even more difficult and dangerous. For instance, your visibility will be reduced if it’s raining or snowing. In addition, wet or icy roads can increase your braking distance and make it more difficult to control your vehicle.
• Left turns are more difficult for elderly and inexperienced drivers. Making a left turn requires a quick assessment of oncoming traffic, as well as a smooth and timely execution. These challenges can be amplified for elderly and inexperienced drivers. Elderly drivers may have decreased reaction times and reduced vision, making it difficult to judge gaps in oncoming cross traffic. Inexperienced drivers may not have the confidence or skills to make a left turn without hesitation.

 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Left turns are maneuvers that drivers need to perform every day, but they need to be done with care. These turns are risky and can lead to serious accidents.

Car accidents can be a burden, no matter how they are caused. Fortunately, you don’t need to handle this burden on your own. A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can provide you with experienced legal representation. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form.

Source:

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