leftturns

Left Turning Vehicles at Night and the Dangers to Pedestrians

July 24, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

After the sun sets and visibility is low, the dangers to pedestrians increase. One particular danger, left-turning vehicles, is especially acute at night. The risk of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle during nighttime hours is amplified for several reasons. In this post, we will explore the dangers that pedestrians face when visibility is low, fatigue is heightened, and poor safety infrastructure is in place. By providing practical safety strategies and delving into these dangers, we hope to increase awareness and empower pedestrians to protect themselves when encountering left-turning vehicles.

Limited Visibility

Reduced visibility in nighttime conditions significantly heightens the risks for pedestrians. Driver’s visibility is already compromised when executing left turns because they have to look out for oncoming traffic, so additional visibility restrictions make this maneuver especially dangerous. The potential glare from headlights can also obstruct the driver’s view of the crosswalk, making pedestrians virtually invisible to turning drivers. This contributes to a higher probability of collisions, leading to severe injuries or even tragic fatalities.

Various measures can be implemented to help mitigate these risks. Many intersections could benefit from improved street lighting to help illuminate crosswalks and sidewalks. Additionally, regular maintenance should be performed on lighting infrastructure to make sure they are working properly. Furthermore, installing reflective markers or signage along pedestrian pathways and crosswalks could provide additional guidance and alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians, especially during left turns.

Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

The presence of well-designed pedestrian infrastructure plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of those on foot. Inadequate infrastructure can lead to confusion that could cause accidents. Above, we discussed how adequate street lighting can help improve visibility, but there are other forms of infrastructure that need to be maintained. Faded crosswalk markings and malfunctioning pedestrian signals contribute to the vulnerability of pedestrians during left turns.

Municipalities must place a high priority on pedestrian infrastructure to help ensure the safety of pedestrians at night facing left-turning vehicles. This includes installing and maintaining bright and energy-efficient LED streetlights, employing durable and visible crosswalk markings, implementing audible pedestrian signals, and ensuring regular inspections and timely repairs. Furthermore, pedestrian-friendly designs can be implemented at intersections that create adequate separation from vehicle traffic.

Driver Distractions and Impaired Vision

Increased fatigue and potential distractions add to the risks for pedestrians facing left-turning vehicles at night. When the roads are less busy, drivers may be more prone to distractions like using a cell phone. These distractions divert their attention from the road and decrease their ability to spot pedestrians during left turns. This problem is heightened by the fatigue that often comes with driving at night. Additionally, drivers who already have poor vision, perhaps due to age or other factors, may have more trouble seeing at night.

Stricter enforcement of laws surrounding cellphone use is crucial to tackling this issue, as well as making sure drivers are educated about how dangerous it can be to drive tired. Pedestrians should also be aware of these factors and should never assume that a left-turning driver sees them.

Speed and Reaction Time:

Occasionally, drivers may have to make quick decisions to avoid hazards when making left turns. Ideally, drivers would only turn when it is safe to do so, but erratic oncoming traffic may cause drivers to maneuver quickly. In the darkness of night, drivers may misjudge the speed and distance of pedestrians, leading to critical errors. Drivers tend to make left turns more quickly than right turns which can put pedestrians in danger. At nighttime, if drivers are fatigued or visibility is low, reaction times may decrease. This combination of speed and reduced reaction time leaves pedestrians with limited opportunities to react, leaving them susceptible to life-altering accidents.

To alleviate these risks, traffic management strategies must be employed. Implementing lower speed limits at night, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, can provide drivers with additional time to react and avoid collisions. Speed bumps and other traffic infrastructure can also be effective in reducing the speed at which drivers make left turns.

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Nighttime Left Turns:

While the primary responsibility for ensuring pedestrian safety lies with drivers, pedestrians can take proactive measures to protect themselves when confronted with left-turning vehicles at night. Here are some essential safety tips:

Wear Reflective Clothing: Bright, reflective clothing could be the difference between a driver seeing you and not seeing you at all.
Utilize Flashlights or Phone Lights: It may be useful to have a flashlight or use your phone light to illuminate the ground when crossing to signal your presence to drivers.
Cross at Well-Lit Intersections: If there are multiple intersections you can cross at, it is always best to use a well-lit intersection with proper safety infrastructure.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Before crossing, make an effort to establish eye contact with drivers waiting to make a left turn. At nighttime, you may or may not be able to see through a driver’s windshield. But, if possible, try to make sure that the driver sees you.
Stay Alert and Vigilant: When crossing, be sure to avoid distractions like using your phone. Check all directions, even if you have the walk signal. Left-turning drivers may not yield to you.
Use Designated Crosswalks: Cross the street at designated crosswalks whenever possible, as they provide a safer path for pedestrians. Look for well-marked crosswalks equipped with pedestrian-activated flashing lights or audible signals for enhanced safety.
Travel in Groups: Remember, there is strength in numbers. If it is possible to travel with a group, drivers have a better chance of identifying pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Pedestrians face heightened dangers from left-turning vehicles at nighttime. Low visibility, fatigue, distractions, and poor reaction times can result in potentially fatal accidents. As a pedestrian, it is best to “walk defensively,” and refrain from assuming that the left-turning driver is aware of your presence. Although the primary responsibility is on drivers to yield to pedestrians, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The Benefits of Displaced Left Turns and How to Navigate Them

July 17, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Few traffic maneuvers are as risky as left turns. Intersecting vehicles, moving traffic, and pedestrians require drivers to keep track of multiple variables. In general, drivers are more likely to experience a collision while attempting a left turn, but not all left turns are the same. In this post, we will cover displaced left turns and their implications for traffic safety, talk about some strategies for navigating this type of maneuver, go over the various considerations drivers should make when they encounter a displaced left turn, and discuss the importance of education when it comes to displaced left turns and other traffic infrastructure.

What are displaced left turns?

Displaced left turns are a specific type of traffic configuration where the left turn lane is separate from the lanes of continuing traffic. Drivers must proceed ahead in a separate lane before making their turn as opposed to making their turn directly from the leftmost lane of their side of the road. Drivers must cross over to the opposite side of the road in advance of making their turn. This may seem hard to visualize, so here is a helpful diagram to give you a better picture of what displaced left turns look like:

There are various reasons for implementing displaced left turns. Two common reasons are the following:

Safety Considerations: By keeping through-traffic separate from left-turn traffic, displaced left turns are meant to reduce side-impact collisions as well as head-on collisions at intersections. This separation prevents left-turning vehicles from feeling pressured to turn hastily because through-traffic is backed up behind them.
Efficiency of Traffic Flow: Displaced left turns aim to improve traffic flow by reducing congestion at the intersection. Traffic can continue through the intersection while left-turning vehicles are funneled into a separate lane.

Apart from safety and efficiency, there are many benefits as well as some challenges when it comes to displaced left turns:

Improved Intersection Capacity: Like improving overall traffic flow, intersection capacity is increased when displaced left turns are implemented. The diversion of left-turning vehicles allows the remaining lanes to be open for through traffic. Without left-turning vehicles causing congestion, more through traffic can cross the intersection during a green light.
Advanced Planning and Execution: One potential challenge associated with displaced left turns is that drivers must anticipate their turn and position themselves in the proper lane well in advance. Drivers must position themselves in the designated lane and wait for a green light to cross over to the leftmost part of the intersection. This means that drivers must be extra attentive, drive strategically, and look out for traffic signs and signals.
Awareness and Education: Not all drivers are familiar with displaced left turns. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the intersection might be especially confused by the displaced lane. It is important that proper education and signage are available to drivers before new infrastructure is implemented to avoid confusion.

Tips for Navigating Displaced Left Turns:

Observe Traffic Signs and Signals: In the presence of a displaced left turn, by close attention to any traffic signs or markers. These signs will help you maneuver safely and guide you toward the correct lane.
Plan and Anticipate: You should begin preparing for your turn well in advance of the intersection. Be vigilant to ensure that you are in the correct lane for your displaced left turn. If you miss the correct lane, never try to turn illegally in the wrong lane. Proceed to the intersection and make your turn at a later point.
Yield to Oncoming Traffic: Oftentimes, displaced left turn lanes are not positioned all the way to the left of oncoming traffic lanes. This means that, just like traditional left turns, you may have to yield to oncoming traffic. Be cautious, and only proceed with your turn if there is a safe gap in traffic that gives you enough time to traverse the intersection.
Communicate and Stay Alert: Remain attentive to the movements of the other vehicles around you. Remember to use your turn signals well in advance of your turn and communicate with other drivers. Prepare to use your brakes if necessary and maintain a safe following distance.
Look Out for Lane Changes: Displaced left turns require an initial lane change to reach the point where you would cross the opposite side of the road. When you change lanes, stay mindful of the flow of traffic. Always check your blind spot, and do not try to cross multiple lanes at once. Only make your lane change if it is safe to do so.
Practice Patience: Like traditional left turns, it can be very dangerous to turn hastily. You should not only be aware of oncoming traffic but also be aware of pedestrians in the intersection. Remaining patient allows you to spot obstacles in time to make a safe stop.
Drive Defensively: Always utilize defensive driving techniques when making a complex maneuver. Due to all the changing variables associated with left turns of any kind, you should always be ready to stop safely if you must.
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the local road conditions and traffic regulations. Some intersections are easier to navigate than others, and you may want to avoid certain intersections that pose a particular challenge.

The Importance of Driver Education and Infrastructure:

New infrastructure can cause driver confusion which can increase the risk of accidents. When it comes to displaced left turns, driver education and awareness are crucial. Road authorities should implement clear signage and road markings well in advance of the turn. Like the implementation of roundabouts in America, it may take time for people to become comfortable with new infrastructure.

Displaced left turns have various benefits, but they can present unique challenges to drivers. The main challenge with this type of maneuver is that it requires advanced planning. By following defensive driving tips and remaining attentive, drivers can navigate these types of turns more safely. Remember to adhere to traffic rules and look out for signage and road markings.

Roundabouts vs. Traffic Lights: The Advantages and Disadvantages for Left Turns

July 10, 2023 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Making a left turn in a busy intersection can be a complex maneuver. As a result, collisions are more likely to occur when making left turns. Roundabouts are a way to avoid the traditional stop-light intersection that requires drivers to cross lanes on oncoming traffic when making a left turn. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll talk about some of the benefits and drawbacks of roundabouts vs. stop-light intersections for left-turning drivers. We’ll cover the potential impacts on road safety as roundabouts continue to become a more common traffic feature.

Roundabouts vs. Traffic Lights: the Risk of Accidents

Reduction of Conflict Points

Roundabouts offer a benefit to drivers in that they have fewer “conflict points” than traditional intersections. Conflict points are the areas in an intersection where collisions are more likely. The are multiple conflict points at play when making a left turn at an intersection, specifically the point where drivers must cross a lane of oncoming traffic. Because the flow of traffic remains in the same direction in a roundabout, there is no instance of opposing left turns.

Decreased Severity of Accidents

One of the most common types of accidents associated with left turns at traffic lights is T-bone collisions, where the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another. By introducing a greater number of right turns, roundabouts eliminate this risk and reduce the potential for high-speed perpendicular accidents. Vehicles navigating the circular path of a roundabout tend to drive at a slower speed, thus reducing the severity of accidents that might occur.

How Do Roundabouts Change Traffic Flow?

Continuous Flow of Traffic

Roundabouts tend to be more efficient than traffic lights when it comes to the flow of traffic. Because vehicles can exit the roundabout without the need for traffic lights, vehicles can flow continuously no matter which direction they intend to exit. Traffic lights require drivers to sit through periods of waiting as the light phases from red to green, whereas roundabouts usually maintain a moving traffic flow. This reduces the chances of rear-end collisions when making left turns. This continuous flow of traffic also leads to increased fuel efficiency and reduced commute times.

Less Congestion and More Capacity

It has been shown that roundabouts can accommodate more vehicles per hour than traditional intersections. Smooth and efficient merging reduced overall traffic congestion. Without traffic light cycles, further delays are eliminated. During peak hours, roundabouts can handle more traffic flow and thus reduce the amount of congestion that can contribute to left-turn accidents.

Roundabouts Tend to be Safer for Pedestrians

Improved Visibility Through Dedicated Crosswalks

Compared to traffic light-controlled intersections, roundabouts are safer for pedestrians. Crosswalks in roundabouts are designed away from the direct path of vehicles in the roundabout, reducing the risk of a collision. When making a left turn at a traffic light, drivers usually must cross two crosswalks while also paying attention to oncoming traffic. It is important to note, however, the drivers in a roundabout must remain aware of pedestrians when entering and exiting the loop. Still, one huge benefit of roundabouts is that they often incorporate raised islands in the center or splitter islands around the roundabout allowing for better visibility between pedestrians and drivers.

Reduced Crossing Distances and Speeds

The width of traffic lanes often requires pedestrians to cross a longer distance when crossing traffic light-controlled intersections. Because roundabouts typically have narrower lanes, pedestrians usually must cross a shorter distance. Speed limits at roundabouts also tend to be slower, which gives drivers and pedestrians more time to react to one another. Pedestrians generally have more time to cross the entrance/exit of a roundabout due to these reduced speeds. At a traffic light intersection, a hasty driver might be focused on hitting the gap in oncoming traffic without paying attention to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Roundabouts and Speed-Related Accidents

Improved Driver Behavior and Lower Speed Limits

Left turns at traffic lights often occur at higher speeds as drivers must pass through a gap in oncoming traffic. While left turns should only be made when it is safe to do so, dangerous drivers might be tempted to make hasty maneuvers at unsafe speeds. Roundabouts, on the other hand, tend to enforce lower speeds due to their curvature and the need to be ready to yield to other drivers. This design creates the conditions for a reduction in speed-related crashes.

Defensive Driving

The design and characteristics of roundabouts encourage defensive driving habits. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings, yield appropriately, and adapt to the continuous flow of traffic. This encourages a more cautious and attentive approach to driving, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by careless or reckless behavior. This is a stark contrast to turning left at a traditional intersection, where unsafe drivers often maneuver aggressively to try and beat the light or pass through an unsafe gap in oncoming traffic.

Drawbacks of Roundabouts:

While there are several benefits to roundabouts, there are some potential drawbacks:

Space Requirements

Roundabouts often demand more space to construct, which can be difficult in areas with limited land availability. If city planners want to transform a traditional intersection into a roundabout, they may face difficulties due to the amount of space that is required. Large land acquisitions can also be costly and time-consuming.

Initial Driver Confusion

Like any new traffic infrastructure, unaccustomed drivers may experience confusion when learning how to navigate roundabouts. Yielding and merging rules may be unfamiliar to some drivers A confused driver may hesitate or maneuver incorrectly, potentially leading to a collision. However, with proper education, signage, and experience, roundabouts are quite simple to navigate.

Pedestrian Challenges

Although roundabouts tend to be safer for pedestrians, they can pose challenges to those with mobility impairments who require assistance while crossing. Adequate signage, ramps, and other infrastructure must be put in place to accommodate those who may face challenges. Roundabouts offer substantial benefits for drivers who would otherwise be making a left turn at a traditional intersection. By eliminating the need for left turns against oncoming traffic and reducing the occurrence of high-speed T-bone collisions, roundabouts create a safer driving environment. Additionally, their ability to handle higher traffic volumes and promote better traffic flow improves overall efficiency and reduces the likelihood of accidents. While certain challenges exist, such as space requirements and initial driver confusion, these can be addressed through proper planning, education, and infrastructure modifications.