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left turns

Unveiling the Dangers of Right Hook and Left Cross Accidents: Protecting Cyclists in Intersections with Bike Lanes

August 4, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

As personal injury attorneys specializing in truck and auto crash cases, we are familiar with some of the risks faced by cyclists, particularly in intersections with bike lanes. Like many other types of accidents, left turns often play a role. In this post, we will go over some types of accidents involving bike lanes and left-turning vehicles. We will focus specifically on left cross accidents, but we will also explore the reverse scenario involving right turns called right hook accidents. By illuminating the risks for cyclists when navigating left-turning vehicles, we hope to contribute to your awareness of these potential dangers. We will talk about the causes, prevention measures, and potential consequences of these accidents.

Some Types of Accidents Involving Bike Lanes and Left-Turning Vehicles:

  • The Squeeze Play

In the case of a “squeeze play,” the left-turning vehicle fails to yield to the cyclist in the bike lane, causing the cyclist to be “squeezed” between the curb and the vehicle. This can cause a collision and potentially serious injuries.

  • The Hook and Cross

The “hook and cross” accident scenario is when a left-turning vehicle makes its turn across a bike lane without yielding to the oncoming cyclist. Misjudgment of the cyclist’s speed may cause serious collisions and potentially fatal injuries.

  • The Late Merge

A “late merge” occurs when a driver fails to merge gradually into the bike lane before making a left turn, and instead abruptly crosses the bike lane. Drivers can surprise cyclists with this sudden maneuver and leave them with little time to react, potentially resulting in a serious collision.

  • The Dooring Danger

One common cause of collisions is not specific to left turns but is worth mentioning, nonetheless. “Dooring danger” is the risk of drivers in the parked lane opening their doors without checking behind them, obstructing the bike lane abruptly. Not only can cyclists collide with the car door, but the obstruction may cause them to swerve into oncoming traffic which is highly dangerous.

Unveiling Left Cross Accidents

  • Definition and Common Scenarios

Left cross accidents occur when a left-turning vehicle fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist in the bike lane, causing a collision. This is a relatively common occurrence at intersections where the bike lane crossing the path of left-turning vehicles.

  • Consequences for Cyclists

Left cross accidents are highly dangerous collisions that can lead to severe or even fatal injuries. Drivers tend to make left turns more quickly than right turns, resulting in higher speeds of impact.

  • Factors Contributing to Left Cross Accidents

Misjudging Speed and Distance: Drivers may find it difficult to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cyclists. Drivers who intend to make a hasty turn may overestimate the gap in cyclist traffic. It is important that drivers only make left turns when it is clearly safe to do so and there is plenty of distance from oncoming traffic.

Inadequate Intersection Design: Some intersections may lack clear signage, dedicated left-turn signals, or proper lane markings. This significantly increases the risk of left cross accidents.

Lack of Awareness: Especially at unfamiliar intersections, both drivers and cyclists may be unaware of traffic patterns. It is the driver’s responsibility to yield to cyclists, and it to take additional time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings when making left turns.

Understanding Right Hook Accidents:

  • Definition and Common Scenarios

Right hook accidents are when a vehicle makes a right turn without yielding to a cyclist traveling straight in the adjacent bike lane. These accidents occur most often when vehicles have merged into the bike lane obstructing their view of cyclists behind them, or in intersections where the bike lane is positioned adjacent to traffic.

  • Consequences for Cyclists

Right hook accidents can be very serious, especially when a cyclist is traveling quicky and caught of guard by the turning vehicle. It is the driver’s responsibility to check their mirrors and blind spot before making their turn, though cyclists should be aware that some drivers may make an unsafe turn.

  • Factors Contributing to Right Hook Accidents

Limited Visibility: Bike lanes that are positioned on the side of the road may make cyclists harder to see. Drivers must turn around to check their blind spot, especially if the adjacent bike lane is difficult to see.

Driver Inattention and Distractions: Like many other types of collisions, driver inattention plays an outsized role. Using your phone while driving is never safe, especially at intersections when multiple flows of cyclist and pedestrian traffic need to be accounted for.

Failure to Yield: Drivers who see a cyclist coming may misjudge the speed and distance of the cyclist. In this scenario, the driver may fail to yield resulting in a collision.

Preventive Measures and Infrastructure Improvements:

  • Enhanced Driver Education and Awareness

As bike lanes become more ubiquitous on city streets, proper education, and awareness campaigns need to be implemented. Drivers must know that vehicle traffic is only one part of what they should be aware of, and cyclist traffic can be just as unpredictable.

  • Promoting Cyclist Visibility

Cyclists should be encouraged to wear reflective clothing, use reflective gear, and have reflectors on their bikes. This is especially important at dusk and during nighttime hours when visibility is especially low.

  • Intersection Design and Engineering Solutions

Intersections should be designed with safety in mind for drivers and cyclists as well as pedestrians. Not only should proper signage and signaling be implemented, but the physical layout of an intersection plays a large role in visibility for drivers and cyclists alike.

  • Policy Changes and Legislative Efforts

It is important to push for policies that prioritize safety, like minimum passing distance laws, protections for vulnerable road users, and increased penalties for accidents involving cyclists.

Accidents involving cyclists and left-turning vehicles, as well as right hook accidents, are particularly dangerous. By understanding the causes, being proactive by implementing preventative measures, and improving infrastructure, we can make the roads safer for both drivers and cyclists.

Understanding the types of accidents involving left-turning vehicles and bike lanes is crucial knowledge to help drivers and cyclists stay safe. The squeeze play, hook and cross, late merge, and dooring danger scenarios all require increased awareness on the part of drivers to avoid such scenarios.

The Role of Crash Avoidance Technology in Preventing Left Turn Accidents

August 1, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Hand use smartphone with car claim icons over the Network connection on car crash background, car accident for car insuranc claim concept.

As personal injury lawyers, we know how common left turn accidents are and the specific risks that left turns can pose to drivers and pedestrians alike. Collisions involving left turns at intersections can cause severe injuries or even death because drivers must cross lanes of oncoming traffic. However, as crash avoidance technology continues to make strides, the risks associated with these types of maneuvers are starting to change. In this post, we will explore how crash avoidance systems specifically relate to left turns. We will talk about some of the potential benefits of this technology, as well as the drawbacks associated with it.

The Specific Challenges that Contribute to Left Turn Accidents:

Left turn maneuvers pose significant risks, specifically at intersections. However, left-turn accidents can also occur when pulling out of driveways or navigating parking lots. The need to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles accurately, as well as the limited visibility associated with left turns, mean that drivers making left turns face simultaneous challenges. Poor visibility due to obstructions, failure to yield, misjudgment, driver distraction, and impatience can increase the risk of these types of collisions.

  • Crash Avoidance Technology Continues to Evolve:

We’ve seen incredible advancements in crash avoidance technology over the years, creating lasting changes in the automotive industry and improving road safety. In fact, crash avoidance systems have been around for decades, and your car almost certainly uses some form of crash avoidance.

The first iteration of crash avoidance systems is something you’ve likely heard of. Antilock braking systems, or ABS, were invented in the 1950s. In the event of a hard brake in an emergency, antilock brakes allow drivers to maintain control by minimizing the possibility of skidding. ABS was an effective innovation that marked the beginning of crash avoidance technology.

Other systems began to take hold in the following decades. In the 1980s, traction control systems, or TCS, emerged as an effective system to reduce the likelihood of slipping. In the following decade, electronic stability control, or ESC, began to be implemented as a way to increase stability in hazardous driving conditions.

Newer forms of advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, emerged in the early 2000s as an early iteration of the type of crash avoidance technology we will be focusing on in this post. LIDAR, radar, cameras, and other sensors were tested to survey the driver’s surroundings in order to better avoid collisions. In the mid-2000s, AEB systems, or autonomous emergency braking systems, marked another breakthrough in crash avoidance.

The most recent forms of crash avoidance technology have incredible capabilities. LDW, or lane departure warning, and LDA, or lane departure assist, are very effective at combating lane drifting. BSD, or blind spot detection, addresses another common problem by warning drivers of objects in their blind spots.

Today, artificial intelligence is being implemented to improve the capabilities of crash avoidance technology. Using AI, crash avoidance systems will better be able to survey and predict possible hazards.

  • What is Left Turn Crash Avoidance Technology?:

 One helpful capability of some crash avoidance systems is the left turn assistance component. Using a combination of sensors, vehicles with left turn assistance can better detect oncoming traffic as well as pedestrians in crosswalks. Because left turns are a particularly tricky maneuver due to visibility issues, left-turn assistance systems can add an extra layer of protection.

By scanning the area surrounding the vehicle, left-turn avoidance systems analyze potential hazards. The sensors can determine the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles and spot pedestrians. This information allows the system to analyze potential risks and alert the driver before a collision occurs.

In the case of an irregular hazard like a collision in an intersection, the crash avoidance system may attempt to warn the driver through visual or auditory queues. If the driver cannot slow down or stop before reaching the hazard, a car with an automatic braking system may be able to stop or divert the vehicle in order to avoid a crash.

  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Left Turn Assistance Systems:

There are significant benefits to the left-turn assistance systems being implemented today. Key is the ability to be able to detect hazards in the surrounding environment to protect the driver at an intersection with low visibility. Because misjudgment of speed is a common cause of left turn crashes, the system’s speed detection component is also quite useful.

However, there are some important things to remember when it comes to left-turn assistance technology. These safety systems rely heavily on a variety of sensors and cameras. In heavy rain, snow, or fog, the sensors can be disrupted and become less effective. Other obstructions like dirt can lead to false readings that could cause your vehicle to react without reason or fail to detect obstacles.

Even in perfect conditions, it is possible that your crash avoidance technology may fail. Certain hazards might be harder for the sensors to detect, and there are instances where your surroundings can be misinterpreted. These scenarios might cause delayed or failed reactions. Drivers should assume that they may have to react manually and should always be prepared to intervene in traffic situations.

It is often overlooked that drivers should equip themselves with the proper education and training to effectively interact with crash avoidance systems. Drivers should be aware of the limitations and the capabilities of this technology to make informed decisions on the road. Sensor checks, as well as regular maintenance, should be performed to maintain the effectiveness of the systems.

  • The Risk of Complacency and Overreliance:

 It is possible that crash avoidance technology can actually create additional risks in the form of driver complacency and overreliance. Overdependency on crash avoidance systems can cause drivers to pay less attention to the road because they assume that the technology will handle any potential risks. This can lead to delayed reaction times that increase the risk of accidents.

Some drivers make the mistake of assuming that other vehicles on the road are equipped with the same type of crash avoidance technology. Commercial vehicles, as well as older vehicles, tend not to have any crash avoidance technology. In situations where drivers interact with other vehicles, too much reliance on these safety features can create a false expectation of safety. Vigilance and attentiveness are even more important given these factors.

Crash avoidance technology has been hailed as a revolutionizing advancement in the automotive industry. The significant safety benefits have led to a reduction in collision risks. However, we must also be aware of the limitations of this technology. Drivers should always be prepared to take control and maintain their vigilance. Remember vigilance and attentiveness are the most important parts of making a safe left turn.

Left Turn Calming Infrastructure Comes to Chicago

July 28, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Last year, Chicago began to roll out some infrastructure as a part of a trial initiative to enhance traffic safety. The city describes the new implements as “traffic calming.” They include rubber speed bumps, vertical posts, and hardened centerlines. The measures are meant to mitigate risks associated with left turns which are a notoriously dangerous maneuver. The goal is to promote safer speeds, prevent diagonal path crossings, and enhance visibility for pedestrians. In this post, we will go over some of the benefits of these infrastructure enhancements, including their specific features, benefits, and the rationale behind their implementation.

A Closer Look at Chicago’s Left Turn-Calming Infrastructure

  • Rubber Speed Bumps:

Strategically placed rubber speed bumps are one of the main elements of Chicago’s infrastructure for calming left turns. When approaching and navigating a left turn, the bumps are intended to encourage slower turning speeds. Introducing physical obstacles that necessitate slower speeds can significantly decrease the chance of collisions due to excessive speed or difficulty with maneuvering. Rubber speed bumps are meant to remind drivers to exercise caution and reduce their speed when making left turns, ultimately contributing to improved road safety.

  • Vertical Posts:

One crucial aspect of guiding drivers during left turns is the implementation of vertical posts. These posts are positioned in intersections to prevent drivers from taking a diagonal path during the left turn. By causing vehicles to adhere to designated paths, the risk of collisions with traffic surrounding the turn is reduced. A safer turning environment is encouraged with these visual cues by discouraging turns that are too narrow or too wide.

  • Hardened Centerlines:

Chicago’s left turn calming infrastructure also includes the implementation of hardened centerlines at intersections. These lines are positioned in the pavement to demarcate between pedestrian crossing zones and left-turning vehicles. Hardened centerlines improve drivers’ visibility of pedestrians during left turns by providing a clear visual distinction. This allows drivers to anticipate pedestrian movements so that they can prepare to stop at a particular point. Both pedestrians and drivers may benefit from the implementation of hardened center lines.

The Intended Benefits:

  • Safer Speeds:

Rubber speed bumps are meant to encourage drivers to slow down when making their left turn. Slowing down vehicles provides more time for drivers to react to possible hazards. Safer speeds contribute to a more predictable and controlled driving environment, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of collisions and creating a safer environment for pedestrians, drivers, and passengers.

  • Enhanced Pedestrian Safety:

The incorporation of vertical posts and hardened centerlines in Chicago’s left turn calming infrastructure is meant to enhance pedestrian safety. Because vertical posts minimize taking shortcuts through crosswalks, potential collisions with cars and pedestrians are decreased. Hardened center lines increase drivers’ visibility and awareness of pedestrians which might be the difference between a safe left turn and a collision. The calming infrastructure promotes greater confidence and security for those crossing intersections by creating a safer pedestrian environment.

  • Improved Turn Accuracy:

Chicago’s left turn calming infrastructure ensures that drivers follow designated turning paths accurately. Potential encroachment into other lanes or crosswalks is less likely when vertical posts are placed to help drivers position their left turn. Accurate turns reduce the risk of collisions with other vehicles and contribute to a more efficient and harmonious road network.

Reasons for Implementing Left Turn Calming Infrastructure in the First Place:

  • Mitigating Collision Risks:

Left turns present inherent potential risks and challenges, including driver distraction, excessive speed, and dangerous turning trajectories. By implementing left turn calming infrastructure, Chicago aims to mitigate these risk factors and address the risks of collision. At its core, the initiative is meant to reduce the number of collisions associated with left turns.

  • Pedestrian Protection:

Chicago’s commitment to pedestrian safety is a driving force behind the implementation of left turn calming infrastructure. Pedestrians face heightened risks when crossing a busy intersection with lots of left-turning vehicles, and vertical posts as well as hardened center lines are meant to reduce these risks.

  • Enhancing Traffic Efficiency:

The introduction of left turn calming infrastructure also aims to enhance traffic efficiency and flow. By reducing conflicts and promoting accurate turning paths, the initiative intends to reduce congestion and delays caused by left turns. The resulting smooth traffic flow benefits drivers and pedestrians, making the road network more efficient and improving the commuting experience.

While the left turn calming infrastructure implemented in Chicago shows promising results, exploring potential alternatives and advancements is crucial for improving traffic safety. Below are some potential alternatives to consider:

  • Intersection Warning Systems:

Intersection warning systems can provide real-time alerts to drivers approaching intersections. By using cameras, sensors, and algorithms, intersection warning systems aim to detect pedestrians and vehicles, giving advanced warnings about potential hazards. Drivers have more time to react and make safer decisions during left turns when intersection warning systems are in place

  • Intelligent Traffic Signal Systems:

There are specific types of signal systems that can help enhance left turn safety. By using real-time traffic data, intelligent traffic signal systems can control signal phases in real-time. This prioritizes safe left turns in order to reduce conflicts with other traffic. Not only can these systems improve safety, but timing signals appropriately can enhance the efficiency of traffic flow.

Through pilot programs and data analysis, it is vital that we consider alternative traffic safety infrastructure so that our intersections can be as safe as possible. When it comes to left turns, intelligent infrastructure that utilizes technology can help to reduce human error.

Chicago’s innovative left turn calming infrastructure, featuring vertical posts, rubber speed bumps, and hardened centerlines, is a good example of an action a city can take to reduce the risks associated with left turns. By preventing diagonal path crossings, improving visibility for pedestrians, and encouraging safer speeds, this initiative aims to reduce collisions, optimize traffic flow, and protect pedestrians. Chicago’s implementation of these traffic-calming treatments is a good first step to creating safer roads in our city. However, more data is needed to assess to effectiveness of this infrastructure, and we must be prepared to pivot and adjust if better options to enhance safety become available. Our city should continue focusing on left turns as a maneuver associated with dangers for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Diverging Diamond Interchanges: A Safer Alternative to Left Turns

July 21, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Diverging Diamond Interchanges: A Safer Alternative to Left Turns

It is widely known that making left turns on the road is a particularly hazardous maneuver, particularly in areas with heavy traffic flow. We, as personal injury lawyers who specialize in truck and auto crash cases, understand the severe injuries that may be caused by accidents that involve left turns. However, there is a potential solution that could help reduce these risks: the diverging diamond interchange. Today, we’ll delve into the idea of diverging diamond interchanges and their potential to mitigate the risks involved with making left turns in conventional traffic.

The Dangers of Making a Left Turn in the Traditional Manner.:

Before discussing diverging diamond interchanges, let’s first consider the potential hazards of making a left turn. When making a left turn, drivers often must cross several lanes of oncoming traffic, which leaves little room for error. This type of turn comes with several hazards, such as:

  • Increased Risk of Collisions: When making a left turn, drivers may be at risk of colliding with oncoming vehicles, particularly if they miscalculate the speed or distance of the approaching traffic.
  • Visibility Limitations: Making a left turn can be challenging for drivers as they need to estimate the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles using their peripheral vision. Unfortunately, visibility can be compromised due to obstructed views, blind spots, or unfavorable weather conditions, potentially leading to accidents.
  • Time Constraints: When making a left turn, drivers often have a limited time window due to traffic signals or oncoming traffic. This can cause some drivers to feel rushed and take unnecessary risks.

Introducing the Diverging Diamond Interchange:

The concept of Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) is a recent development in transportation engineering, aimed at improving intersection efficiency and safety. DDIs are different from traditional interchanges in that they temporarily move traffic to the opposite side of the road. This creates a “crisscross” pattern that makes left turns easier and safer than traditional methods. Some key features of DDIs include:

  • Crossover Points: Designated crossover points are used to shift traffic to the opposite side of the road, effectively eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic.
  • Dedicated Turn Lanes: DDIs have designated lanes for left turns at crossover points, providing a clear separation between vehicles turning left and those going straight.
  • Traffic Signal Optimization: Traffic flow is made smoother, congestion is reduced, and the risk of conflicts between vehicles is minimized by DDIs through the use of well-coordinated traffic signals.

Advantages of Diverging Diamond Interchanges:

  • Enhanced Safety: One of the main benefits of DDIs is their capacity to increase safety, especially when making left turns. By avoiding the need to turn left across oncoming traffic, DDIs effectively diminish the chances of accidents and lessen possible clashes between vehicles.
  • Improved Traffic Flow: By reducing the number of signal phases and allowing left-turn movements simultaneously, DDIs optimize traffic flow. This efficient design enhances overall intersection capacity and reduces congestion, resulting in shorter travel times for motorists.
  • Pedestrian-Friendly Design: Dedicated pedestrian paths and crosswalks are often included in DDIs to provide safety and convenience for pedestrians. The decreased vehicle conflict points and simplified traffic flow create a more effortless pedestrian experience while navigating through the interchange.

Case Studies and Success Stories:

Let’s talk about some real-life examples to illustrate the possible advantages of DDIs:

  • Springfield, Missouri: The first DDI in the United States was implemented in Springfield, Missouri.  It has been extremely successful in reducing accidents, improving traffic flow, and increasing driver satisfaction. Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in left-turn-related incidents since its introduction.
  • Salt Lake City, Utah: The introduction of a DDI at the I-15/7200 South intersection in Salt Lake City has led to a significant decrease in traffic congestion, enhanced intersection capacity, and improved safety. The triumph of this initiative has encouraged further examination and implementation of DDIs in the surrounding area.

Considerations and Challenges:

Although diverging diamond interchanges can provide significant advantages, it is crucial to recognize the difficulties and factors involved in their execution. Here are some of them:

  • Costs of Construction: In order to build a DDI, it is usually necessary to make major changes to the infrastructure, such as realigning bridges and roadways. The construction process can be quite intricate and expensive, which means that it requires thorough planning and budgeting.
  • Driver Familiarity: The implementation of DDIs requires a deviation from the conventional intersection designs, and it might require some time for drivers to adjust to the new traffic patterns. It is essential to have adequate signage, conduct public awareness campaigns, and provide driver education to ensure a seamless transition and make the most of the advantages that DDIs offer.

What is the difference between a DDI and a Displaced Left Turn?

In a previous blog post, we discussed another departure from traditional left turns: the displaced left turn (DLT). The diverging diamond interchange may sound like the displaced left turn, but there are some key differences.

A DDI is a unique intersection design where traffic lanes temporarily shift to the opposite side of the road at the interchange. This innovative design enhances traffic flow and minimizes potential collision areas in comparison to conventional diamond interchanges. The DDI enables vehicles on the crossroad (usually an overpass or underpass) to briefly switch to the opposite side of the road, enabling unobstructed left turns onto the ramps without having to cross oncoming traffic.

On the other hand, a displaced left turn is a traffic design that moves the left-turn movement away from the main intersection. Drivers are directed to a separate lane or signalized intersection before or after the main intersection, instead of making a left turn directly at the intersection. This helps to improve safety by reducing conflicts with through traffic and simplifying the left turn.

While both DDI and DLT designs aim to enhance traffic flow and safety, they employ different approaches and are suited for different types of intersections. DDIs are typically used at freeway interchanges, while DLTs are often implemented at conventional intersections to improve left-turn movements.

One possible solution to the dangers of crossing oncoming traffic is by using diverging diamond interchanges, which offer a viable alternative to traditional left turns. DDIs can improve safety, traffic flow, and create a pedestrian-friendly environment by temporarily redirecting traffic to the opposite side of the road. While their implementation may pose challenges, the success stories from existing DDIs demonstrate their potential to improve intersection design and hopefully make our roadways safer for all users. However, it is extremely important that proper signage and road markings are implemented to reduce driver confusion which could ultimately lead to more collisions.

Revolutionizing Left Turns: Enhancing Safety through AI-Powered Predictive Analytics and Traffic Management at Intersections

July 7, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Left turns can often be challenging and risky maneuvers, especially at intersections. Drivers must assess the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, look out for pedestrians, and practice patient decisions making. Juggling these variables creates a higher risk of collisions than many other driving maneuvers. However, predictive analytics and traffic management systems are being integrated with artificial intelligence, presenting a new opportunity to enhance road safety and revolutionize left turns. In this comprehensive blog post, discuss how AI can change left turns through traffic management techniques and predictive analytics to optimize traffic flow, create safer road environments, and minimize risks.

  • What is Predictive Analytics and How Can it be Applied to Left Turns?

Predictive analytics powered by artificial intelligence has the potential to increase safety for drivers making left turns at intersections. AI can analyze vast amounts of data like weather conditions, traffic patterns, historical information about accidents in a particular area, what time of day an accident occurred, and even driver behavior. Using this information, AI can identify which intersections tend to have higher incidents of collisions. This valuable tool could be particularly effective in the hands of engineers and city panners, as well as policymakers and other decision-makers. Ideally, AI analytics can be used to address dangerous intersections more efficiently.

One possible application of predictive analytics has to do with signal timing. Signal phasing can be adjusted in real time using traffic data in order to prioritize and protect left-turning vehicles. Using vast amounts of data, AI can accurately predict traffic patterns, assess the speed and volume of oncoming traffic flows, and allocate a safe amount of time to left-turning vehicles. By making sure drivers have enough time to complete their turns safely, predictive analytics can be used to lessen the number of hasty maneuvers in left turn situations.

AI-driven predictive analytics can also identify the specific factors that contribute to left turn collisions in a particular intersection like visibility issues, road conditions, and complicated intersection layouts. Using this data, transportation authorities can better tailor their response to specific problems by enhancing road marking, improving or adding signage, or adjusting speed limits. By identifying these risks, left turn collisions can be addressed at the source.

  • How Can Intelligent Traffic Management Systems Improve Left Turn Safety?

Traffic management systems powered by AI offer a more holistic approach to left turn safety. These systems use AI algorithms to analyze data from traffic cameras, GPS devices, connected vehicles, and other sensors to develop insight into traffic conditions.

Similar to predictive analytics, traffic management systems can use this well of data to dynamically adjust traffic signals. With a comprehensive view of traffic conditions, the algorithm can determine how much time left turning vehicles should be allotted. By efficiently allocating time for left turning vehicles, unnecessary delays can be avoided while keeping the turning drivers safe.

There is also a communication component to traffic management systems powered by AI. When enough vehicles on the road implement AI systems, cars will be able to communicate intentions with one another, such as upcoming left turns, while also signaling to traffic infrastructure like traffic lights. Traffic signals can incorporate this information to create safer traffic flows in left turn situations.

  • How Can AI Help Optimize Infrastructure?

Optimizing signal timings and similar traffic management systems are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to smart infrastructure. The physical design of left turn infrastructure can be optimized using left turn data collected by AI.

AI analysis can improve simulation modeling by incorporating vast amounts of traffic data and complex algorithms. Using this modeling, high risk intersections can be identified. Engineers can then incorporate this new information to build physical enhancements to reduce the risk of collisions. For example, AI insights can point to appropriate geometric infrastructure to efficiently improve the flow of traffic. Additionally, designated or protected left turn lanes might be best implemented in certain intersections. With new and improved infrastructure, drivers will be able to enjoy improved visibility and overall safety which will reduce the risks associated with left turns.

One other application of AI in this realm is the development of intelligent warning systems for drivers making left turns at intersections. The data collected from cameras, sensors, and predictive algorithms can give engineers insights into the timing of specific accidents and when it might make sense to get the attention of a driver. By issuing timely alerts, drivers might be more likely to proceed with caution when making left turns.

Chicago has implemented some initiatives to utilize AI technology for traffic management and optimization. One notable example is the “Array of Things” project which is a connected network of sensors throughout the city. Data is collected through these sensors on traffic flow and environmental factors like air quality. Using this data, AI can be used to analyze traffic patterns to address congestion in specific areas.

Additionally, Chicago’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) has partnered with companies specializing in AI and data analytics to enhance traffic management. The goal is to develop predictive models in order to better understand traffic patterns. Chicago also uses AI-powered video analytics systems for incident detection and traffic monitoring. Using computerized vision algorithms to analyze video feeds, this AI helps authorities identify accidents, congestion hotspots, and other traffic-related issues in real-time.

AI can also help with the ongoing process of monitoring intersections and analyzing safety issues. As an algorithm recognizes a pattern emerging, decisions can be made about how to proactively address safety issues before the problem gets worse. At intersections that are already relatively safe, patterns can still be detected and used to continue to address potential hazards.

Artificial intelligence integrated with predictive analytics, traffic management, and infrastructure improvements has the potential to make left turns safer for both the turning driver and the surrounding traffic. Engineers, transportation planners, and policy makers can take advantage of AI to optimize signal timings, identify high risk intersections, change and enhance infrastructure, and comprehensively address road safety through pattern recognition. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real time can change our understanding of traffic patterns so that we can address problems at the root. As artificial intelligence becomes more refined, we are getting closer to changing our roads for the better and reducing left turn collisions.

The Dangers of Left Turns and How to Avoid Them

July 3, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

In the United States, left turns are one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 22.2% of all crashes in 2018 involved left-turning vehicles. According to Popular Mechanics, over 60% of all crashes at intersections involve left turns. At intersections, left turns often carry additional risk because drivers have oncoming traffic (sometimes multiple lanes of oncoming traffic) and be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, as well as other road users.

What other factors make left turns dangerous? Depending on the intersection, one or more of these factors may be at play:

  • Limited visibility: Obstructions or vehicles in front of you may block your view of oncoming traffic. This issue might be exacerbated in the case of construction or larger vehicles in the intersection.
  • Misjudgment: Especially in unfamiliar locations, drivers may underestimate the speed of oncoming vehicles or misjudge the size of the gap between vehicles in the oncoming lanes.
  • Impatience: Traffic congestion and vehicles behind you might cause you to feel pressured to turn left quickly.
  • Distraction: Like all other aspects of driving, more distractions equal more danger. Phone use and other distractions could make turning left in an intersection much more dangerous.

Thankfully, there are ways to avoid left-turn accidents. In fact, you may be able to avoid left turns altogether. Despite this seemingly counterintuitive claim, some studies have shown that making all right turns can save time and increase your fuel efficiency while avoiding the risks that left turns pose. In fact, UPS implemented a policy of minimizing left turns for its drivers in 2004. According to the company, making more right turns reduced its annual distance traveled by 20.4 million miles. Fuel consumption was also reduced by 1.7 million gallons, and its carbon dioxide emissions by 17.4 thousand metric tons. The Harvard Business Review reports that over 90% of turns made by UPS drivers are rights turns. According to NPR, the total emissions amount saved each year is equivalent to the output of over 20,000 passenger cars.

So how should you go about making right turns efficiently? Instead of making a left turn at your desired intersection, you can make three right turns around the same block to orient yourself in your ideal direction. By avoiding the wait time required to find a gap in traffic at a busy intersection, you can save time on your commute. Idling and accelerating can also decrease your gas mileage, and you may see a favorable change in your fuel efficiency. The safety aspect is most important, and you can decrease your risk of an accident by making all right turns.

Of course, making all right turns is not always possible or practical. There may not be an alternative route that allows you to trade your left turn for right turns or it may be more convenient to make a left turn at an intersection. To make these turns safer, make you use the following tips:

  • Follow the traffic signals: Be sure to look out for signs to indicate whether you should wait for a green arrow prior to turning.
  • Use your turn signal: Use your signal at least 100 feet prior to making your turn to indicate to the drivers behind you that you will be slowing down.
  • Choose the correct lane: If you mistakenly approach the intersection in a lane that does not allow you to turn left, do not try and change lanes in the middle of the intersection. Follow the traffic directions and reroute your commute.
  • Check for hazards: Make sure there are no pedestrians or cyclists trying to use the crosswalk as you make your turn. Look left, right, then left again prior to turning, and don’t assume that other drivers will stop or slow down for you.
  • Turn carefully: Make sure your speed and angle are safe and keep from turning too fast or sharply. In an intersection where there may be multiple left turn lanes, be sure not to swing into another lane when making your turn.

You may be wondering, are there alternatives to making left turns at a traditional intersection? In your area, there may be other types of traffic infrastructure that are safer than trying to make a left turn at a traffic light. One common example is a roundabout, which is gaining popularity in the United States. A roundabout essentially allows for the driver to trade their left turn for a right turn without having to go around an entire block. This circular intersection allows for the continuous flow of traffic. Drivers make a right turn to enter the roundabout and make another soft right turn at their desired exit. Typically, roundabouts have four entry/exit points.

One other alternative that is gaining popularity is the diverging diamond interchange or DDI. DDIs temporarily shift vehicles to the opposite side of the road to improve the flow of traffic. The important safety feature that DDIs provide is that they eliminate the need to turn left across oncoming traffic. Drivers navigate a series of right turns and crossovers instead as opposed to making a left turn. DDIs have been shown to be a viable alternative to traditional traffic light intersections.

It is important to note that not all alternatives to left turns are suitable for every intersection or road network. Multiple factors need to be considered to assess the feasibility of implementing one of these designs, including traffic volume, land availability, and local regulations. However, if one of these alternatives is available in your area it may be wise to reroute your commute to avoid turning left at a traditional intersection.

Making all right turns instead of turning left at a traffic light is possibly a safer, more fuel-efficient, time-saving alternative. As personal injury lawyers who specialize in truck and auto crash cases, we know how important it is to prioritize safe driving. Practicing smart driving habits can be the difference between a safe drive and a collision.

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