Left turns can be deceptively dangerous maneuvers, even if they may seem routine to frequent drivers. According to the NHTSA, about 22.2% of all accidents that occur at intersections involve a left-turning driver. If the driver who intends to turn left is speeding, left turn accidents become even more likely.

While speeding is dangerous for many reasons, it is important to discuss how driving too quickly requires your reaction time to be much quicker. At busy intersections, there are many potential hazards that drivers must react to in order to make a safe left turn.

Speeding also makes it more difficult to control your vehicle. This is especially dangerous during left turns because left-turning drivers must be careful not to encroach on other lanes.

Additionally, speeding makes it difficult for other drivers in the intersection to predict your actions. Even if a left-turning driver signals properly, other drivers may not have enough time to register the signal if the left-turning driver is speeding.

It is also important to note that high speeds increase the severity of left turn accidents. This is especially concerning because left turn collisions at busy intersections often involve vulnerable pedestrians. Moreover, a speeding vehicle intending to turn left may collide with oncoming traffic that is also moving at high speeds, leading to a catastrophic T-bone or head on collision.

Let’s go over some specific scenarios that illustrate the risks that we mentioned above:

At busy intersections, visibility is often limited. For left-turning vehicles who need to see oncoming traffic, this can be particularly dangerous. A speeding driver making a left turn may approach the intersection too quickly to see if there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
A speeding driver may approach the intersection without leaving themselves enough room to stop if the light changes to red. Without enough stopping distance, the driver may encroach on the intersection and cause a T-bone collision with a driver moving in the adjacent direction.
A driver that is executing their left turn too quickly may overestimate the capabilities of their vehicle. Turning too quickly, especially in adverse conditions, could cause the left-turning driver to skid into traffic. In severe cases, the left-turning driver may even roll their vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
A speeding driver may not have time to react to pedestrians in the crosswalk. When making a left turn, even if there is a protected green arrow, drivers still must check the crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. If the turn is unprotected, pedestrians will often have a walk sign when the left turning driver has a green light. Therefore, drivers must always be ready to yield to pedestrians. Failing to do so could cause a fatal collision with a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
A left-turning driver who is speeding when they approach the intersection may need to brake suddenly to wait for oncoming traffic. This could confuse the driver behind you who may have assumed that you intended to proceed straight through the intersection without slowing down. This could result in a rear-end collision which is made even more dangerous due to the proximity to the intersection.

Speeding can make any maneuver more dangerous, especially left turns. It is always better to approach your left turn with caution and employ defensive driving techniques.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to make your left turns safer in addition to slowing down:

Always remember to use your turn signal prior to making your left turn. This will alert the drivers behind you of your intention to turn, as well as signal to the surrounding traffic. It is best to signal early to allow other drivers to register your intentions.
Check your blind spots, especially at intersections where there are multiple left turn lanes. When in doubt, be sure to stay in your lane to avoid encroaching on the lanes of other left-turning vehicles.
Assess the traffic conditions prior to executing your turn. It may not be the best time to make your turn, and you may need to wait for a wider gap in oncoming traffic.
If you are not sure whether it is safe to complete your left turn, it may be best to proceed straight and find a safer intersection. If it is safe and legal to proceed straight the intersection you are uncomfortable with, try and find an intersection with a protected green arrow and clear visibility.

Pay attention to the type of oncoming traffic. Larger vehicles may need more time to stop, so do not assume that oncoming traffic will yield for you if the light turns yellow.
Be aware of the weather conditions. The law requires drivers to drive in a manner that is safe depending on the conditions of the roads. This means that you may be required to drive slower than the speed limit if the roads are wet or icy.

Left turns can be stressful and complex even if you are driving safely. There are many variables to consider, such as oncoming traffic, pedestrians, signal changes, and the type of intersection. Adding speeding and other types of reckless driving (like phone use and other distractions) into the mix can be extremely dangerous and even catastrophic.

By avoiding speeding and following these additional safety tips, you can help make our roads safer for yourself and others.

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.

Speeding and Left Turns: A Dangerous Combination

Mastering Left Turns: What NOT to do