Making a Left Turn in a Construction Zone: What to Look Out for and How to Avoid a Collision

October 20, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Left turns are uniquely complex maneuvers, even if they may seem routine to most drivers. There are many variables to consider, including the speed and distance of oncoming traffic as well as pedestrian activity. When an intersection is under construction, driver must pay attention to even more variables such as temporary signs, heavy machinery, and reduced speed limits.

These factors contribute to left turn collisions which occur in construction zones. There are also additional variables to consider, such as driver distraction or inattention. The Federal Highway Administration has given various statistics regarding how many collisions in construction zones occur during the course of a left turn. Some estimates have put the number of collisions involving a left turn at over a third of total collisions.

Where might collisions be most likely to occur?

Some scenarios stick out as common causes of left turn collisions in a construction zones. Let’s discuss the most common scenarios:

Failure to yield to oncoming traffic: Some drivers, even in a reduced speed zone, will attempt to make their left turn hastily without properly considering oncoming traffic. This is a dangerous action that could cause a head on or T-bone collision; two of the most dangerous types of collisions.
Drivers misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic: Though some drivers will proceed hastily through a left turn without considering oncoming traffic, others will wait for a gap in traffic but misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle. Even though construction zones have reduced speeds, not all drivers will be following the speed limit. Therefore, when making a left turn, you should assume that oncoming traffic is moving faster than you perceive and you should wait for a large gap in oncoming traffic.
Drivers failing to see pedestrians or cyclists: Construction zones can be busy places with lots of signage, workers, and barriers. However, even with all the extra noise, drivers must remember to scan the crosswalks for pedestrians before completing a left turn. Hitting a pedestrian during a left turn is one of the most common causes of traffic deaths.
Hitting construction equipment: Drivers must pay close attention to the road if the intersection is under construction. Even if you are familiar with a particular intersection, there may be machinery in unusual places. Look out for hazards to avoid making a costly mistake.
Drivers hitting temporary barriers or signs: Often times, barriers and signs will be used to direct traffic in an unusual direction when an intersection is under construction. Drivers need to pay close attention to the signage and barriers, especially when executing a left turn.
Failing to stop for construction workers: Some of the most devastating collisions occur when a driver hits a construction worker. Always look closely and carefully for workers on the job, even if you don’t see any immediately.

What can drivers do to avoid a collision?

When making a left turn in a construction zone, there are a number of things drivers can do preemptively to avoid an accident:

Obey the speed limit: Construction zones may have reduced speed limits. These new limits are put in place for a reason, and you should be driving slower in order to fully process all of the potential hazards in a construction zone.
Pay attention to your surroundings: Construction zones are no place for distraction or inattention. Drivers should be scanning their surrounding and familiarizing themselves with any new signage or barriers.
Check your mirrors and blind spots: Although doing the proper checks is always important, it is especially important in construction zones where drivers may be confused. It is important to make sure that your surroundings are clear when executing a left turn in an unusual environment.
Signal your intentions: Drivers should always signal their intentions, but it is all the more important in busy construction zones. The driver behind or in front of you may be unsure of your next move, leading to confusion in an already confusing environment.
Yield to oncoming traffic: It is important to exercise patience in scenarios where collisions are more likely to occur. Left-turning drivers at unprotected intersections are always required to yield to oncoming traffic, but it is worth emphasizing how important it is not to make a hasty turn and risk a collision with oncoming traffic.
Be prepared to stop: Driving defensively is key to executing any maneuver safely. Drivers may be more erratic in construction zones that are potentially confusing, so you should always be prepared to break if necessary.

Additional tips

You may want to keep some additional things in mind before executing a left turn in a construction zone:

It may be best to avoid making the turn altogether, and to proceed to a safer intersection that is not under construction.
If you have to make a left turn, try and pick an intersection that has a traffic signal. This will alleviate some of the confusion that other drivers may have about the right of way. If possible, try and find an intersection with a protection green arrow.
If you are coming from a side street and intend to make you left turn, come to a complete stop prior to turning. This will allow you enough time to scan for traffic in every direction.
Always be patient and avoid rushing. Although construction zones can be frustrating, caution is key to a safe left turn.

By following these helpful tips, you can prepare yourself to make a safe left turn even in an unusual environment. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Left Turn Protocols for Emergency Vehicles

October 16, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Although left turns can seem routine, they are also relatively risky maneuvers with many variables to consider. We’ve discussed how different types of vehicles must consider different factors when making left turns. In this post, we will discuss how left turns are similarly challenging for emergency vehicles as well as the additional factors that emergency responders must consider when responding to a crisis.

The Challenges of Left Turns

For emergency vehicles, left turns present unique situations and protocols. Additionally, emergency vehicles must consider all of the usual risks associated with left turns under the pressure of an emergency response. When responding to medical crises, fires, or law enforcement situations, every second counts. Especially at busy intersections, left turns often require crossing the path of oncoming traffic and considering pedestrians in the crosswalk. Some of the challenges associate with left turns include the following:

Heavy Traffic: In areas with heavy congestion, making left turns can be particularly challenging. For example, it can be difficult to find a safe gap in oncoming traffic in intersections without designated green arrows.

Blind Spots: When navigating traffic of any kinds, it is important to have an awareness of what may be in your blind spot. Like other vehicles, emergency vehicles also have blind spots that they need to be aware of when completing turns.

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety: Left turning vehicles at intersections often have to cross a pedestrian crosswalk. When making a left turn without a protected arrow, pedestrians typically have a walk sign and therefore the right of way. All vehicles should be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk.

Protocols for Executing Safe Left Turns for Emergency Vehicles:

Using Sirens and Lights: When making left turns in an emergency scenario, it is important for emergency vehicles to use their lights and sirens. These tools signal to other drivers that they should yield the right of way, potentially allowing emergency vehicles to complete their left turns more quickly while maintaining safety. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren activated, all other vehicles are required to pull over to the right. All other vehicles must slow down or come to a complete stop if necessary for the emergency vehicle to pass.

Observe Traffic Rules: Emergency vehicles are allowed to proceed through red lights and stop signs. However, they must also follow the other rules of the road when executing a lefty turn. They need to make sure it is safe to complete the turn, even if sirens and lights are activating. Sirens do not exempt emergency vehicles from exercising caution.

Safeguarding Pedestrians: Emergency vehicle operators are required to use their horns and sirens to indicate their intent. This acts as a warning to both other vehicles on the road and pedestrians. However, emergency vehicles still need to exercise extra caution when making a left turn in case there may be pedestrians in the crosswalk. It is important to emergency responders not to proceed to hastily and to assume that there may be a pedestrian in their path.

Communication and Coordination: Effective communication between emergency vehicle operators and their dispatchers is vital. Dispatchers play a crucial role in providing real-time information on traffic conditions, road closures, and alternative routes to avoid left turns in heavy traffic whenever possible. This collaborative approach ensures that emergency vehicles can reach their destinations safely and promptly.

Training and Education: Operating emergency vehicles requires extensive training and education about how to drive safely in high-stress situations. This training includes education about how to proceed with left turns. Drivers should be sure to remember their training in order to execute the safest possible left turn efficiently.

Advanced Safety Equipment: Modern emergency vehicles have additional safety equipment to help drivers proceed safely through intersections. One such piece of equipment is the intersection preemption system, allowing drivers to change traffic lights to allow them to proceed through the intersection or with making a left turn.

The Role of Intersection Preemption Systems

There are several advantages to intersection preemption systems when it comes to left turns or otherwise navigating intersections:

Green Light Priority: The main purpose of intersection preemption systems is to change traffic lights so that the emergency vehicles have a green light allowing them to proceed in their desired direction. This can help drivers proceed with left turns with minimal delays.

Traffic Signal Override: The other side of the “green light priority system’ is the signal override that occurs in the other direction. For example, when the emergency vehicle changes the light to green so that they may complete their left turn, all other signals at the intersection turn red to avoid conflicting traffic patterns.

Enhanced Safety: By reducing traffic in confliction directions, emergency vehicle drivers are able to create a safer path to complete their left turn. For example, the green light signaling to oncoming traffic may turn red to allow driver to proceed with their turn while reducing the risk of a collision with oncoming traffic.

Efficiency: These systems not only create a safer path for emergency vehicles, but also increase efficiency. For example, if an ambulance driver does not have to wait for oncoming traffic, they may be able to complete their left turn significantly more quickly. However, emergency vehicles should still proceed with caution when making left turns.

For drivers of emergency vehicles, navigating left turns safely is a critical skill. These drivers must consider the ever-changing variables associated with left turns at busy intersections while navigating relatively quickly. Emergency vehicle drivers also have additional tools they can use to complete left turns more safely and efficiently such as sirens, lights, and intersection preemption systems.

Erven with these tools, emergency responders should also remember the need to be extra cautious when executing left turns. If you are driving and you hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle, you must pull over to the right and slow down/come to a complete stop. Never ignore the lights or sirens of an emergency vehicle. Together, we can keep the roads safe for everyone by following these simple rules of the road.

Left Turn Facts and Figures

October 13, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

On this blog, we’ve talked extensively about the risks that left turns pose. Drivers must juggle multiple variables safely in order to make a left turn safely, especially at uncontrolled intersections. For example, drivers must be keenly aware of pedestrians in the crosswalk in front of them. Once the driver has pulled about 40% of the way into the intersection, they must wait for a safe gap in traffic. The driver must be aware of the speed and distance on oncoming traffic in order to take advantage of a safe gap. While doing this, drivers should maintain their awareness of the left-hand intersection to avoid turning when pedestrians are in the cross walk.

In this post, we will talk about some facts and figures that illustrate the potential risks associated with left turns. We will go over some eye=opening statistics that may compel drivers to treat left turns with extra respect.

Over 53% of cross-traffic crashes involve left turns

There are many instances in driving where you may need to cross the path of oncoming traffic. Four way stops and crossing a busy street come to mind. But did you know that over half of these cross-path accidents involve left turns? According to the NHTSA, 53.1% of cross-traffic accidents occurred during or immediately after a left turn.

Over 22% of car accidents in general involve left turns

The NHTSA released a report stating that left turns were the “critical event” in almost a quarter of all car accidents. Given the number of accidents that occur on an annual basis, this is truly an astonishing figure. One particularly concerning point is that left turn-accidents are often more severe than other types of accidents.

Left turns are involved in a quarter of all accidents involving pedestrians

According to NPR, one fourth of all accidents involving pedestrians in the United States occur during the execution of a left turn. Drivers who have a green light without a designated arrow need to remain aware of pedestrians in the intersection, something that some drivers often fail to do. Around 200 pedestrians die each year due to accidents involving a left turn. In fact, in 2019 40% of the traffic deaths in San Francisco were caused by drivers who did not see pedestrians in the crosswalk while executing a left turn, according to Forbes. Many other cities have similar statistics when it comes to the relationship between left turns and traffic deaths.

Nearly 90% of left turns collisions are the fault of the driver

When it comes to left turn collisions, the driver is almost always at fault. This statistic was taken from a study conducted by the municipality of San Francisco, although similar estimates have been reported for various other big cities in the United States. This is especially alarming, because the NHTSA reports that driver distraction is one of the main reasons for the occurrence of left turn accidents. The fact that so many of the collisions are potentially avoidable should be a wake-up call to those drivers who tend to drive distracted by using their phone or other devices.

More than a third of all crashes occur at intersections

According to the NHTSA, 36% of all accidents in the United States take place at intersections, with almost half million accidents resulting from left turns annually. Often times, a left turn accident that occurs at an intersection will obstruct traffic either in the intersection or around the intersection. This can be a dangerous situation for drivers who are unable to move their vehicles away from the flow of traffic.

Traffic “calming” infrastructure can reduce high-speed left turns by 71%

San Francisco has done a lot of research and experimentation to address the dangers of left turns. In an effort to reduce left turn accidents, the city implemented various traffic calming tools. Speed bumps, barriers, and similar infrastructure was installed at intersections to compel drivers to turn at a slower speed. The city found that left turns that occur at speeds faster that 15 miles per hour were reduced by almost three quarters. Making left turns at unsafe speeds remains a leading cause of left turn collisions.

Left turns are some of the most dangerous and complex maneuvers that drivers attempt on a frequent basis. Although making left turns, even at busy intersections, can seems routine, drivers should still remember that left turns require attentiveness and caution. Drivers always approach left turn defensively and remain ready to act if they encounter a hazard.

Left Turn Collisions and Intersection Design: The Factors Contributing to Left Turn Collisions

October 9, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Some of the most common types of accidents on the road are collisions involving left turns. In previous posts, we’ve discussed how left turns are relatively complex maneuvers and how driver behaviors and distractions play a large role in these collisions. In this post, we will focus on how intersection design can also play a role in left turn accidents. We will discuss what makes certain intersections more dangerous and how this infrastructure can be improved to prevent left turn collisions.

Uncontrolled or Poorly Marked Intersections

The absence of clear markings or control devices at intersections can be large contributing factors to left turn collisions. Unmarked intersections have no stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights. This design can cause confusion among drivers about who has the right of way. Left turning drivers must be able to clearly signal their intentions to oncoming traffic and other drivers. At uncontrolled intersections, it is good practice to attempt to make eye contact with other drivers to confirm that they see you.

Lacking Left Turn Lanes

Intersections without dedicated left turn lanes can be more complicated for left turning drivers. Drivers who are attempting to execute a left turn must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic. While waiting, they may feel pressured by other drivers behind them waiting to proceed straight through the intersection. Even under pressure, drivers should never attempt to make a hasty left turn and should always wait for a safe gap in traffic.

Poor Visibility

Some intersections have better visibility than others. Obstacles like buildings, trees, miscellaneous infrastructure and even large vehicles can block the views of left-turning drivers. It is always important to proceed with caution prior to making a left turn, but this is especially important in a low visibility scenario. Never try and complete a left turn if you do not have a clear view on oncoming traffic, the traffic signals, or obstacles in the crosswalk.

Complicated Signals

Often times, busy intersections will employ a combination of signals such as dedicated left turn signals, pedestrian crossing signals, advanced green signals and signals directed at multiple left turn lanes. When signaling is more complex, drivers attempting to make a left turn may become distracted or confused. If possible, it is best to familiarize yourself with complex intersections in advance or make your left turn at an alternate intersection.

Geometry and Traffic Flow

The traffic flow of an intersection can plays a large role in the likelihood of an accident. One example of this would be intersections designed to compel left-turning drivers to make tight left turns, leaving little room for error. Multiple left turn lanes may be very close to each other, and drivers must be careful not to turn too wide when executing a left turn. For left-turning drivers, it is important to maintain awareness of intersections markings to avoid encroaching on another lane.

Bicycles and Pedestrians

Some intersections have heavier pedestrian traffic flow than others. It is common to see very heavy pedestrian traffic at urban intersections, and it is vital that left-turning drivers have a clear view of the crosswalks they will need to pass. It is important never to rely on traffic signals alone, and drivers should still scan the intersections even if pedestrians do not have the walk sign.

Engineering Solutions for Safer Intersections:

There are various innovative engineering solutions intended to mitigate preventable left turn collisions:

Roundabouts: Roundabouts allow for continuous traffic flow and more predictability in terms of traffic direction.
Protected Left Turn Phases: Intersections with designated green arrows for left-turning drivers eliminates the need to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic.
Improved Sight Lines: Maintenance is key when it comes to traffic infrastructure, including trimming vegetation and removing obstacles to improve visibility.
Traffic Calming Measures: Speed bumps and slower speed limits afford drivers more time to react to unexpected situations.

The Role of Advanced Technology in Intersection Design:

It is important to mention that technological advancements may eventually play a crucial role in reducing left turn accidents. In previous posts, we’ve discussed the roles of artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and algorithmic infrastructure in improving traffic safety. New intersections should be designed with these advancements in mind.

Intersection design can play a huge role in the likelihood of left turn accidents. Municipalities should be keenly aware of these factors so that they can make necessary improvements to high-risk intersections. As drivers, it is important to recognize when an intersection is potentially dangerous for left turns. If you feel uncomfortable completing a left turn at a particular intersection, it may be best to proceed straight through the intersection and make your left turn at a safer point.

Exploring What Autonomous Vehicles Mean for Left Turns

October 6, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Autonomous vehicles, commonly referred to as self-driving cars, seem to be poised to change the automotive industry in the years to come. In previous posts, we discussed how new technology, including self-driving cars, have the potential to change the way we approach safety when it comes to left turns. In this post, we will take a deeper dive into self-driving cars in the context of left turns and the potential applications for safety. We will discuss how autonomous vehicles might approach complex maneuvers like left turns using various sensors and detection methods.

The Advantage of Autonomous Vehicles:

When it comes to the intricate task of navigating left turns, autonomous vehicles still need to make improvements. However, some manufacturers have made significant gains in tackling these maneuvers as some self-driving cars can make left turns fairly competently. As this technology continues to improve, autonomous vehicles may eventually be far safer than human drivers when it comes to left turns. Self-driving cars rely on some core technologies to make left turns:

Precise Sensor Technology: Self-driving cars employ various sensor technologies, including radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, and GPS, to form a virtual map of the surrounding traffic and hazards. A combination of sensors is not only able to detect the location of vehicles, but also the speed and direction of traffic.
Predictive Algorithms: Predictive algorithms are designed to allow autonomous vehicles to make accurate real-time predictions about traffic patterns and traffic infrastructure. Advancements in AI will play a large role in helping self-driving cars to make accurate predictions based on road schematics.

Enhanced Safety:

A focal point of the movement to develop self-driving cars is the idea that autonomous vehicles have significant advantages when it comes to safety. Here are some of the ways self-driving cars may be able to approach left turns more safely:

Eliminating Human Error: Many left turn accidents are caused by the misjudgment of oncoming traffic, making a turn too hastily or impulsively, or failing to consider pedestrians in the left crosswalk. These types of human errors are potentially solvable through self-driving technology, as sensors may be able to form a more accurate map of the surrounding traffic to make better decisions.
Optimized Turn Timing: The speed and distance of oncoming traffic can easily be misjudged by human drivers which can lead to catastrophic accidents. Timing a safe gap in oncoming traffic may eventually be easier for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, drivers attempting to execute a left turn often face pressure from the vehicles behind them to make the turn quickly. Self-driving cars will not make a hasty turn in response to pressure.

Communication and Coordination:

When it comes to left turns, awareness of the surrounding traffic is key. One huge advantage of self-driving cars is the ability to communicate with other autonomous vehicles and increase that awareness. Additionally, self-driving cars will also be able to communicate with traffic infrastructure to aid in signal timing to create seamless left turns:

Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V): Self-driving cars will be able to communicate their intentions with other vehicles on the road, but that’s not the only potential application. They will also be able to relay information about road conditions to make left turns as safe as possible.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Integration: Left turns can be quite stressful when the intersection is highly congested. Self-driving cars will be able to communicate with traffic signals in order to time signal for minimal congestion, creating conditions for a much less risky left turn.

Prioritizing Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:

Drivers making left turns must remain aware of pedestrians in the left crosswalk that may be in their turn path. Self-driving cars are designed to detect these pedestrians to prevent a catastrophic collision:

Enhanced Detection: Visibility is often limited in congested intersections, and self-driving cars are designed to solve that problem. Advanced sensors will be able to detect pedestrians even in low light or foggy conditions. Although many self-driving vehicles have faced issues with their sensor technology in foggy conditions, improvements are being made to make these sensors more accurate.
Predictive Braking and Acceleration: Not only will sensors be able to detect pedestrian activity, but algorithms will be able to predict their movements to allow for the safest turn. Autonomous vehicles can react quickly, and will have a better chance of braking in time to prevent a collision.

The Future of Left Turns with Autonomous Vehicles:

Looking ahead, autonomous vehicle technology is moving in a positive direction for safety. When it comes to left turns, there may come a time when autonomous vehicles can perform these maneuvers more safely than any human driver. As more self-driving cars hit the streets, the communication between vehicles will allow for less congestion and more predictable traffic flows.

However, it is important to remember that this technology is still in its early stages and should not be relied upon for the time being. More improvements need to be made before our dream of perfectly safe left turns can be finally achieved.

Can Virtual Reality Help Make Left Turns Safer?

October 2, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Technological innovation has revolutionized both the vehicles we drive and the traffic infrastructure we rely upon. In previous posts, we discussed the implications of artificial intelligence for the way we approach left turns. In this post, we will be discussing how virtual reality may help to reduce the risk of left turn accidents. This emerging technology has the potential to transform the way we practice, understand, and teach left turn safety.

So, what is virtual reality? Virtual reality can provide realistic and immersive experiences by allowing users so see a computer-generated environment through a screen on a headset. In the context of left turn safety, VR can provide drivers with capabilities we have never had before. Here’s how:

Realistic Simulations

Using VR, novice or experienced drivers can play out realistic simulations without dangerous consequences. By replicating various road conditions and variables, virtual reality test driver’s capabilities in many scenarios. Using VR, drivers will have a safe and controlled virtual environment to practice and refine their left turn skills.

Risk-Free Learning

Many driver safety courses do a fantastic job of helping people improve their driving. However, it can be difficult to replicate real-word scenarios without endangering inexperienced drivers. Virtual reality can simulate oncoming traffic, pedestrian hazards, and erratic drivers without risking the safety of anyone on the road. This makes VR perfect for left turns which often require drivers to navigate many dangerous variables.

Hazard Identification

Virtual reality can help condition drivers to recognize potentially dangerous hazards before a collision occurs. A VR headset could point out hazards that you may have otherwise overlooked. For example, a driver making a left turn in the real world may have a near-miss with a pedestrian without even noticing it. In VR, the computer can alert you to your mistake so that you can learn where you should be extra careful to scan for hazards.

Personalized Training

Not all drivers learn at the same rate. Virtual reality has a distinct advantage in that the level of difficulty can be gradually increased when it comes to practicing left turns. For drivers who struggle with specific aspect of making left turns, VR can help draw their focus to those specific aspects to correct those weaknesses with risk-free practice.

So, what does the road ahead look like when it comes to VR? There are many promising aspects of virtual reality technology, but VR devices are still in their early stages. In some instances, virtual reality has already been applied in certain contexts to make our road safer, but it is safe to assume that there will be many more applications in the future. Here are some of the ways VR is already being implemented to improve road safety:

Driver Education

Some driver’s education programs have already incorporated VR training. These virtual reality simulations don’t just focus on left turns, but many different types of dangerous maneuvers and unexpected scenarios to prepare students to venture out onto the physical road.

Fleet Safety

Companies with large vehicle fleets are already using VR to help train their commercial drivers in left turn scenarios. Commercial drivers in some instances also use virtual reality to practice some of the other more difficult aspects of driving a large vehicle. Companies see VR as a risk-free way to train their employees for real-world scenarios.

Research and Development

Not only does VR help train drivers, but virtual reality can also be an effective way to collect data on our traffic infrastructure. VR is already being used to test different layouts and environments to help with city planning and street design. This has big implications for left turns, which are notoriously dangerous maneuvers that could benefit from better safety infrastructure.

Government Initiatives

Apart from independent driver education companies, some governments are already exploring how VR could help improve driver education. Government funded research could be an important part of the implementation of VR because large data samples can be used to determine where VR could best improve driver safety.

Virtual reality has the potential to change the way we approach left turn safety. Eliminating real-world risk through advanced simulations could help new or experienced drivers practice with confidence. Hazard identification and personalized training program may eventually be used as helpful VR supplements to real-world practice. VR may also change the way we research traffic infrastructure and the ways to train our commercial drivers. Using VR, we may be able to reduce the number of collisions that occur during one of the most dangerous maneuvers in driving: left turns.