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.

Mastering Left Turns: What NOT to do

September 29, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Although left turns have become routine parts of driving, they are actually risky maneuvers when you consider all of the variables involved. In previous posts, we covered some tips and tricks to make your left turns safer. In this post, we will be focusing on what not to do in order to better understand common mistakes that drivers make when attempting left turns. By understanding what not to do, drivers can better understand what makes a safe and controlled left turn.

Failing to Yield Right-of-Way:

It is fundamentally important that drivers who are attempting left turns understand who has the right of way. Left turn accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield to oncoming traffic, especially at busy intersections. If you do not have a protected left turn arrow, you must yield to oncoming traffic. This rule is intended to promote smooth traffic flow for drivers who intend to drive straight through an intersection. Remember, oncoming traffic may be closer and moving more quickly than it appears.

Misjudging Oncoming Traffic Speed:

It is common to misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic when waiting for a gap to execute a left turn. Our perspective is often inaccurate due to optical illusions and visibility issues. To avoid a collision, it is vital that drivers waiting to execute a left turn remain patient until presented with a large gap in traffic. If the gap is small, it is best to air on the side of caution and wait to complete your turn until you are confident it is safe to do so.

Cutting the Corner Too Sharply:

Cutting the corner too sharply is a common mistake among drivers making left turns. When a driver makes a sharp left turn, they will often encroach on another lane of traffic before they are oriented properly in their desired direction. It is best to turn with a relatively wide and consistent path and to assume that there may be a car in your path if you turn too sharply. The goal is to avoid encroaching on any lane other than your desired lane.

Ignoring Pedestrian Crosswalks:

One of the reasons that left turns can be risky is because drivers are often required to drive across two crosswalks. Even if you have a green light and there is an appropriate gap in oncoming traffic, it is still very dangerous to execute your turn without checking the crosswalk to your left. There may be vulnerable pedestrians in your path.

Distracted Driving:

Distracted driving is a dangerous practice in all aspects of driving, but especially left turns. The elements we have mentioned so far like pedestrians and oncoming traffic require vigilance and attention. It is best to put your phone away while driving and refrain from fiddling with your GPS.

Rushing the Turn:

It can be tempting for drivers to rush their left turns. In a busy intersection, drivers may feel pressured to drive through a tight gap in traffic. Not only can this increase the risk of colliding with oncoming traffic, but drivers in this scenario also risk forgetting to check the crosswalk for pedestrians. Patience is a virtue when driving, and it is best to wait for a safe opportunity to execute the left turn.

Disregarding Weather Conditions:

In many areas, drivers are legally required to adjusted their driving appropriately in adverse weather conditions. This could mean driving under the speed limit in the cases of snow or ice. When the roads are icy, it is extremely risky to make a quick turn because you could block the path of oncoming traffic if you fishtail or otherwise slip. When in doubt, turn with caution and avoid a spin out.

Failing to Check Blind Spots and Mirrors:

Busy intersections often have poor visibility. For this reason, drivers need to do everything they can to remain attentive and aware of their surroundings. Prior to beginning your drive, your mirrors should be clean and adjusted.

Forgetting to Signal Your Intentions:

Even if you are in a designated left turn lane. It is crucial to remember to signal. The drivers behind you, oncoming traffic, and pedestrians are all safer when they are aware of your intention to turn. If you are not in a designated lane turn lane, forgetting to signal could confuse the driver behind you who might assume that you intend to proceed straight through the intersection.

Failing to Maintain a Safe Speed:

Left turns should be gradual and controlled maneuvers. Driving too fast or erratically significantly increases the risk of collision. As a driver who intends to make a left turn, you should be moving at a safe speed so that you have enough time to break and avoid a collision if necessary.

Failing to Practice Defensive Driving:

One of the most universal tips for road safety is defensive driving. Drivers who drive aggressively are more likely to make costly or dangerous mistakes. Driving defensively involves maintaining a strong awareness of the surrounding traffic and driving at a safe speed.

Failing to Consider the “No Left Turn” Signs:

It is best never to assume that left turns are allowed at a particular intersection. As an informed driver, you should always look out for important signage. Some intersections will specifically prohibit left turns, so you may need to proceed straight through the intersection in that case. Failing to follow the signage could confuse unsuspecting drivers and cause a collision.

While left turns have become routine, drivers would be best served by treating left turns with extra caution. Not only is it important to know what to do in various traffic situations, it can be just as important to remember what not to do in order to avoid common mistakes. Remember, when in doubt, drive defensively and avoid distractions to be the safest driver you can be. With your help, we can make the roads safer for everyone, drivers and pedestrians alike.

Safely Navigating Left Turns in School Zones: A Comprehensive Guide

September 25, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Pedestrian safety is paramount, and we as responsible drivers should be aware of the most likely areas where pedestrian collisions could occur. Specifically, making left turns in school zones could present risks to vulnerable pedestrians. In this post, we will focus on making a safe left tun in a school zone in the state of Illinois. We will delve into some background information about laws and regulations, some common challenges, and some real-life scenarios that you may encounter.

Understanding Illinois School Zone Laws

Before we get into some specific scenarios, lets talk about some of the regulations and laws relating to school zones in Illinois:

Reduced Speed Limits: Like many other states, Illinois implements reduced speeds in school zones. Slower speeds allow drivers more time to react to pedestrian activity. These speed zones are strategically enforced where the risks of collisions are higher.
No Passing: Generally, passing other vehicles in a school zone is prohibited, especially in areas where children are present.
Crosswalks and Pedestrian Right of Way: It is important to exercise vigilance and caution around crosswalks. At crosswalks, pedestrians have the right of way and drivers should always yield to pedestrians in school zones.

Challenges of Left Turns in School Zones

Making a left turn is already a complex and potentially risky maneuver. In school zones, there are additional challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Let’s dive into some of these challenges:

Pedestrian Activity: One obvious challenge of making a left turn in a school zone is the high amount of pedestrian activity. Drivers should look out for students walking or biking to school, as well as other pedestrians like parents dropping off their children.
School Bus Stops: School buses can obstruct your view when making a left turn. In school zones, school buses will frequently stop to pick up and drop off students, so it is important for drivers to exercise patience and caution.
Limited Visibility: Aside from school buses, there are other obstructions like parked cars that could obstruct visibility in school zones.

Safety Tips for Making Left Turns in Illinois School Zones

With these challenges in mind, drivers could benefit from some helpful tips to stay as safe as possible when making a left turn in a school zone:

Obey Speed Limits: Posted speed limits should always be obeyed in school zones. If there is congestion and cars are constantly stopping and starting, it may be best to drive even lower than the posted limit to allow for more reaction time.
Signal Early and Clearly: It is vital that other drivers and pedestrians are aware of your intentions in a school zone. You should signal early, but do not assume that other people are aware of your signal. Always proceed cautiously.
Scan for Pedestrians: Even if foot traffic seems light, it is important to scan for pedestrians prior to executing your left turn. Pedestrians could be blocked by a car or other obstruction, so assume you may have to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
School Bus Awareness: Remember, when a school bus activates its stop sign and/or flashing lights, you must stop and wait. School buses make frequent stops, so be prepared to break when necessary.
Ensure Intersection Clearance: When approaching the intersection at which you intend to make your left turn, scan for other traffic. Other drivers may be unaware of your intention to turn or may be distracted.
Minimize Distractions: It is never safe to drive distracted, but it is even more crucial to avoid distractions in a school zone. Never use your phone or GPS in a school zone.

Instances Requiring Extra Caution

There are certain conditions where it may be beneficial to exercise extra caution when making a left turn in a school zone. Here are some instances where you may need to be extra careful:

Pedestrians at Crosswalks: During lunch hours or transition periods, there could be high pedestrian activity in the crosswalks surrounding the school zone. If there is high pedestrian activity when you intend to make your left turn, you should take a second look at the crosswalks.
Heavy Traffic: During morning hours or at dismissal, there may be heavy traffic surrounding the school zone. This is one of the most dangerous times of day to make a left turn in a school zone, so it is best to be extra defensive.
Adverse Weather Conditions: It is always important to drive according to weather conditions. Icy or wet weather may require you to drive even slower than the posted speed limit.
Unpredictable Child Behavior: Especially when there are young children in the area, pedestrians may be unpredictable. Keep an eye on pedestrians near the side of the road and be prepared to stop if they move into the street.

Navigating Left Turns in School Zones: Real-Life Scenarios

Lets talk more about some specific scenarios you may find yourself in when approaching and entering a school zone:

Scenario 1: The Morning Rush

When parents are dropping their children off at school, traffic will be extra heavy in school zone areas. It is best to extend your following distance in heavy traffic to give yourself more time to stop behind the car in front of you.

Scenario 2: Inclement Weather

Not only can icy or wet weather cause you to change your driving behavior, but other weather conditions like fog could affect your visibility. School zones already have low visibility due to bus activity and heavy traffic, so it may be best to reduce your speed in inclement weather.

Scenario 3: Unpredictable Child Behavior

We already mentioned how young children can be unpredictable, but even older children may choose to jaywalk or forget to look for traffic before crossing the street. Even before you make your left turn, you should drive with caution knowing that pedestrians could appear unexpectedly.

Left turns are particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike. When you make a left turn, you should always signal your intentions, look for oncoming traffic, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians. In school zones, there are even greater risks that you will face when attempting a left turn given the high pedestrian activity and heavy traffic. Follow our safety tips and remember to drive defensively next time you make a left turn in a school zone.

Citation: www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs

A Recipe for Roadway Success: Cooking Up a Safe Left Turn

September 22, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

We’ve posted about making left turns in various situations and the dangers of these types of maneuvers. But we haven’t yet discussed a specific recipe for making a safe and controlled left turn. It’s time to buckle up for a culinary journey as we go through a recipe for whipping up a controlled, safe left turn. Like any great dish, safe driving involves proper preparation, the right ingredients, and some creativity. We will divide this guide into chapters and discuss each element of making a left turn properly.

Chapter 1: Preparation: Getting Ready for the Perfect Left Turn

As a chef preparing an excellent dish, you will want to have the proper ingredients ready. Here are some of the essentials required to execute a left turn properly:

Indicator: You wouldn’t want to forget the proper seasoning for your perfect recipe, would you? Similarly, you should never forget to use your turn signal prior to executing your turn.
Positioning: You cannot make a safe left turn without the proper positioning. You should only try and complete your turn if you are in the proper lane where left turns are legal.
Speed Control: Too much speed can make your left turn more dangerous, especially in poor weather conditions. Proper speed control should allow for the right amount of speed to complete your turn in a controlled manner while driving slow enough to stop safely in case of an emergency.
Visual Checks: Just as it is important to inspect your ingredients for freshness and quality, you should remember to perform the proper checks of your surroundings. Check your mirrors and be aware of surrounding traffic.

Chapter 2: Sautéing the Situation

Much like how sautéing is about timing and controlled heat, timing and control are vital to making a left turn safely:

Timing: It is crucial not to rush your turn too much, as well as avoiding delaying for too long. Proper timing requires attention and awareness, so it is important to avoid distractions.
Clear View: Pedestrians and cyclists may be in crosswalks, so it is important to have a clear view of your turn path. When making a left turn, you should also have as clear of a view as possible of oncoming traffic.
Yield to Pedestrians: Be prepared to yield, especially at busy intersections. Look out for pedestrians in either crosswalk that you will need to cross to compete your left turn. Pedestrians may not see you, so refrain from assuming that they will wait for you. The driver is responsible for yielding to pedestrians.
Anticipate Others: Much like the awareness a chef must have of his kitchen staff in a busy kitchen. Drivers should anticipate potential hazards. Remember, oncoming traffic may be moving faster or be closer than it appears.

Chapter 3: Flipping with a Soft Touch

In cooking, flipping pancake requires a careful hand to avoid a mess. When making your left turn, a careful and deliberate hand should be applied to your steering wheel:

Smooth Steering: Your steering during a left turn should be deliberate and controlled.
Avoid Cutting Corners: Cutting a corner when making a left turn could cause your vehicle to encroach on another lane. To avoid collisions, you should make a wide turn and have a clear understanding of your turn radius.
Maintain Lane Discipline: Lane discipline is especially important when making a left turn in an intersection with multiple left turn lanes. When making a left turn in this scenario, stay in tour lane and turn into the proper lane in your desired direction. Look out for other vehicles that be encroach on your lane.

Chapter 4: Plating our Perfect Left Turn

Similar to how a well plated dish is visually appealing, a proper left turn is smooth artful.

Turn Off Signals: After your turn, turn off your indicator if it is still blinking. It is important that other cars are aware of your intentions and do not assume that you intend to make a lane change after your turn.
Observe Traffic Signs: You wouldn’t disregard the instructions for a complex recipe, would you? Failing to follow traffic signals can lead to confusion and chaos. Be aware of any signs and signals in your intersection, and look out for any more traffic signs after your turn.
Stay Centered: The best left turns include a driver that stays centered in their lane. Just like how it is important to maintain lane discipline, staying centered in your desired lane could keep you from scraping a curb or another vehicle.

Chapter 5: Left Turn Desserts: Some Extra Tips

Just as dessert is the sweet ending to a good meal, here are some final tips to make your left turns sweeter:

Practice Makes Perfect: Whether you want to hone your cooking skills or become a better driver, practice is a crucial element for improvement. It is best to practice your left turns in intersections where you feel comfortable, or perhaps take a safety course if you struggle with these types of maneuvers.
Stay Calm: Panic can create dangerous situations when driving. Composure and patience could keep you from making a dangerously hasty turn or even missing a good opportunity to complete your left turn.
Stay Informed: It is important to stay familiar with your local laws and regulations so you can approach any traffic situation, including left turns, with confidence.
Maintain Your Vehicle: Vehicle maintenance is crucial to avoiding unexpected break downs in inopportune moments. If you drive a lot, you will need to perform more frequent maintenance.

Technique and safety are of the upmost importance in the culinary world. When making left turns, similar principles apply. We hope that our left turn cookbook will turn you into a seasoned chef behind the wheel, with the ability to make safe left turns seasoned with safety and control. Safe driving is the most important ingredient of any maneuver. If you want to improve your left turn skills, follow our “recipe” and be prepared to tackle even the most complex left turns.

Making Left Turns into Busy Shopping Centers: Understanding the Dangers and What to Look Out For

September 18, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

For even the most experienced drivers, it difficult to make a left turn into a busy shopping center or mall. Left turns are already complex maneuvers that require the driver’s full attention, but they become even more complex with the introduction of erratic traffic patterns and high activity. In this post, we will cover some of the dangers that come with making a left turn into a busy shopping center, as well as some safety tips to remember next time you face a nerve-wracking left turn.

High Levels of Pedestrian Activity

One of the main reasons that making a left turn into a busy shopping center can be dangerous is the increase in pedestrian activity. Some shopping centers with busier parking lots may frequently have pedestrians walking near your vehicle’s path when you make your left turn. Drivers must be extra vigilant when completing their left turn into the parking area.

Safety Tips: Always Yield to Pedestrians

If a pedestrian is in the crosswalk during your turn, you must always yield
Look out for shoppers walking between parked cars or in unmarked areas
Try and make eye contact with pedestrians to make sure they see you

Unpredictable Maneuvers and Erratic Traffic Flow

Shopping center parking lots, and parking lots in general, have notoriously erratic traffic flows. Vehicles may be unpredictable, traveling in various directions and switching lanes unpredictably. Due to these factors, it can be difficult to anticipate the actions of other drivers which increases the risk of accidents.

Safety Tips: Be Observant of Traffic Patterns

Before making sudden maneuvers, observe how traffic may be flowing in the parking lot.
Look out for any vehicles suddenly changing lanes or making frequent stops.
Always use your turn signals to communicate effectively with other drivers

A Vehicle Geometry Challenge: Narrow Ailes and Tight Spaces

Tight turning spaces and narrow aisles and tight spaces are common in many shopping centers. Due to these constraints, it can be difficult to navigate a large vehicle or a vehicle with a large turn radius. Drivers should be familiar with the turning behavior of their vehicle, as well as the dimensions and ability to fit in spaces and under barriers in parking structures.

Safety Tips: Familiarize Yourself with the Dimensions of Your Vehicle

You should be comfortable and familiar with your vehicle’s turn radius.
When navigating tight corners, be cautious and avoid distractions
When in doubt, proceed slowly to avoid vehicle damage.

Hidden Hazards: Limited Visibility

When making left turns into shopping centers, limited visibility is also an important factor. Signage, landscaping, and high-sided vehicles can obstruct your view of potential hazards. There is an increased probability of missing something in your blind spot when overall visibility is limited, requiring drivers to fully turn their head to check their surroundings.

Safety Tips: Check Your Blind Spots

While mirror adjustments can minimize blind spots, remember your blind spot cannot be completely eliminated through mirror adjustments.
You should physically turn your head to check your blind spot before completing the left turn.
Practice patience and wait for a clear view of traffic before proceeding with your left turn

Increased Distractions

There are many potential distractions for drivers when it comes to shopping center parking lots. The desire to find parking, locate stores, or attend to passengers can attract a driver’s attention and cause drivers to lose their awareness of the road. Other “internal” distractions like using your phone or GPS can increase your risk of a collision.

Safety Tips: Minimize Distractions

Remember to focus on your driving task at hand and stay focused on the road.
Do not use your mobile phone or other device while driving.
It is best to find a safe parking spot before attending to any other tasks.

The Challenge of Crowds: Congested Parking Lots

Congestion and limited space become apparent during peak shopping hours. Drivers attempting to make left turns may find it difficult to maneuver safely. To avoid hasty or risky maneuvers, drivers should keep patience at the forefront of their mind.

Safety Tips: Exercise Caution and Patience

If possible, you may find it helpful to plan shopping trips during slow hours.
If there are high levels of congestion in the shopping center, remember to be patient and defensive.
Proceed slowly and with caution while being prepared to stop if necessary.

Sudden Stops: The Risk of Rear-End Collisions

Making a left turn into a busy shopping center is a scenario where you may have to stop suddenly. Congestion and other hazards may appear abruptly. These factors make rear-end collisions much more likely, although there are things drivers can do to prevent a potential collision.

Safety Tips: Keep a Safe Distance and Use Your Signal Early

Signal your intentions in advance of your left turn.
When other vehicles are in front of you, give them plenty of space in case they stop suddenly.
Monitor your mirrors and maintain awareness of your surroundings.

The Effects of Changing Weather Conditions

Shopping centers can become particularly dangerous when weather conditions change. Snow, ice, or slippery surfaces due to rain can make in difficult to make tight turns or stop quickly. When making a left turn or any other maneuver in a shopping center parking lot, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.

Safety Tips: Adapt Your Driving

Reduce your speed, especially when making your left turn, to prevent sliding and fishtailing.
You should increase your following distance in case the car in front of you stops suddenly.
Regular maintenance, such as checks on your vehicle’s lights and fluid, should be performed before driving in adverse conditions.

Making a left turn into a shopping center parking lot, or driving in a congested parking lot in general, can present unique challenges for drivers. There are numerous distractions that drivers should be aware of, as well as erratic traffic and unusually tight spaces. It is important to keep an eye out for pedestrians and vehicles which may be driving erratically. Remember, defensive driving is the key to being a safe driver and avoiding collisions.

Navigating Left Turns After Crossing Railroad Tracks: Safety Tips and Best Practices

September 15, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

In previous posts, we’ve focused mainly on making left turns at traditional intersections. Things change, however, when a driver intends to make a left turn immediately after crossing railroad tracks. Many railroad crossings are flanked by intersections, whether it be a stoplight intersection or a 3 way stop, necessitating different rules for the cars crossing the tracks. In this post, we will delve into the nuances of making left turns after crossing railroad tracks, with a strong emphasis on safety.

The Right of Way: What Changes?

It is important to note that traffic rules will vary by jurisdiction. But, in general, the right of way changes in the event that there is an intersection connected to a railroad crossing. At a typical intersection, you can expect to yield to oncoming traffic before completing your left turn. When crossing railroad tracks, the car crossing the tracks typically has the right of way over oncoming traffic. This is because of the possibility that cars would be compelled to stop on the tracks while waiting for oncoming traffic.

Illinois-Specific Considerations

In our posts, we focus mainly on Illinois and Chicagoland-specific traffic laws. It is important that drivers be familiar with their own local regulations, and pay attention to any signage that would overrule the typical traffic rule assumptions. In Illinois, it is typical that the vehicle crossing the tracks will maintain the right of way.

Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind

Keep a Safe Distance: It is crucial that drivers who intend to turn left after a railroad crossing are aware of the distance between them and the car in front of them. The driver in front may not be as familiar with traffic regulations or may stop immediately after the railroad crossing for some other reason. Staying too close to the car in front could lead the rear car to stop on the tracks which could be catastrophic.
Pay Close Attention to Traffic Signals: At is always important to maintain awareness of any signage or other traffic signals. When approaching a railroad crossing, never try to cross the tracks if the crossing gates begin to go down. Some rural intersections do not have crossing guards, making it extremely important to look down the tracks in search of oncoming trains.
Stay Alert: Even if you have the right of way prior to attempting your left turn, it is never safe to assume that other drivers will wait for you. Alertness and defensive driving techniques could be the difference between a safe turn and a collision.

Additional Tips for Safe Left Turns After Railroad Crossings

Understand Railroad Crossing Types: Oftentimes left turns will be prohibited when a traffic light-intersection is adjacent to the railroad crossing. It is important never to assume that the turn is allowed, and to obey any signs and signals.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Although drivers may have the right of way when making a left turn after crossing the tracks, pedestrians may already be in the left crosswalk. This makes it all the more important to approach your turn with alertness and caution even if you are confident that you have the right of way. Approach your turn at a safe speed, and be prepared to stop safely if you see a pedestrian or other hazard in the crosswalk.
Leave a Sufficient Stopping Distance: Although not specific to left turns, this tip is crucial and should not be overlooked. It is important to approach the railroad crossing at a safe speed so that you will be able to stop safely if necessary. For example, if you notice the safety guards descending, you should be able to stop safely. Also, buses and large trucks are often required by law to stop prior to crossing the tracks. If you are behind a bus when approaching the crossing, expect to come to a complete stop prior to crossing the tracks and completing your left turns.
Emergency Procedures: When talking about safety tips, we can’t overlook the importance of having an emergency plan. This point is also not specific to left turns, and applies whenever you intend to cross a railroad crossing. If your vehicle stalls or stops on the tracks, never remain in your vehicle. You should exit immediately and walk at a 45-degree angle toward the direction which the train will come from. This will keep you out of the path of any debris in the event that your car is in fact hit by an oncoming train.

Why are the Nuances of Left Turns So Important?

Left turns happen to be one of the most complex maneuvers that drivers face on a regular basis. Accidents that occur in intersections are more likely to occur during a left turn maneuver. This is because many variables are at play, including considerations for oncoming traffic, changing signals, and pedestrians in the left crosswalk.

Left turns across railroad tracks are important to be familiar with because of the changes in right of way. They can also be particularly dangerous because of visibility issues. Oftentimes, railroad tracks are slightly elevated, requiring drivers to drive over a small hill when crossing the tracks. In the case of a driver making a left turn, it can be hard to see the traffic over the tracks because of the obstruction by the hill. If you intend to make a left turn after a railroad crossing with low visibility, you will want to cross the tracks at a safe enough speed to be able to stop safely immediately after crossing.

This visibility issue can also make it difficult for cars in the intersection on the other side of the tracks to see the driver crossing the tracks. This is why it is especially important not to assume that the drivers in the intersection will respect your right of way. Drivers in the intersection may proceed through the intersection without seeing you coming.

Remember Safety Best Practices

If you are uncomfortable completing a left turn after crossing railroad tracks, it may be best to proceed straight across the tracks and make your turn at a different point. In previous posts, we have talked about how making all right turns can actually be a viable alternative to making any left turns.

Remembering your safe driving tips, like defensive driving and avoiding distractions, can make your drive safer in any scenario. When in doubt, safety first!