Every day, drivers navigate busy intersections and face left turns in heavy traffic. Left turns are one of the riskiest maneuvers drivers can face, and they often lead to accidents. Emphasis is often placed on the infrastructure that makes left turns more difficult, but it is also important to talk about the psychological factors that contribute to left turn accidents. In previous posts, we touched on the many variables that can make left turns difficult. In this post, we will delve deeper into the psychological demands that this multi-variable maneuver requires. When it comes to left turns, drivers should be aware of common mental mistakes that can lead to accidents.

Misjudgment of Distance and Speed

One of the most pervasive mistakes when it comes to left turns is the misjudgment of the speed and distance of oncoming traffic. Drivers may feel they have enough space to make the left turn, when in reality the oncoming vehicles are much closer and moving much faster than they appear. Some of the factors that contribute to this issue include the size of the oncoming vehicle and weather/visibly conditions. Drivers would be served best by assuming that oncoming traffic is closer than they perceive, and drivers should give themselves extra space prior to making their left turns.

Inattentional Blindness

There is a common phenomenon where drivers fail to notice oncoming vehicles due to distractions or divided attention. This is called inattentional blindness, and it often plays a role in left turn accidents. Though inattentional blindness can occur because of the divided attention that drivers may place on the multiple variables during left turns, inattentional blindness is more commonly associated with unnecessary distractions like cell phone usage. In order to stay safe on the road, it is extremely important that drivers refrain from using their cell phones or other devices. All of the driver’s attention should be on your surroundings in the intersection.

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is a cognitive phenomenon that often leads drivers to believe they can safely complete a left turn, even in hazardous conditions. This type of bias can contribute to accidents in many ways, but one common instance of confirmation bias occurs when drivers who have made a left turn safely in an intersection approach the same intersection with overconfidence. Even if a driver has completed the turn before, the driver should always approach left turns with caution and make all of the necessary checks before attempting the turn. Confirmation bias can also contribute to inattention blindness and other psychological phenomenon that contribute to left turn accidents.

Overestimating the Right of Way

Overestimating one’s right-of-way can result in perilous left-turn situations. It is important to understand your local traffic laws so that you are familiar with when the right of way applies to you, and when you should be prepared to yield. One example of how a driver could overestimate the right of way is making the assumption that a green light means the absolute right of way. When making a left turn, a green light does not mean that the driver shouldn’t be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic. More commonly, drivers might miss important yield signs of they are not paying close attention.

Spatial Awareness

Spatial awareness, is a critical aspect of executing safe left turns that is often underestimated. Though spatial awareness plays a role in judging the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, there are other ways that warped spatial awareness can contribute to accidents. One common example occurs at intersections where there are multiple adjacent left turn lanes. Drivers must have good awareness of their turn radius, and be sure to turn into their target lane to avoid encroaching on other traffic. It is important not to turn too tight or too wide.

Pressure Affects Decision Making

Especially in heavy traffic, making a left turn requires cautious yet swift decision making. One common scenario where pressure make affect a driver’s ability to make safe decisions is when there is a backup of traffic in the left turn lane. Drivers might feel pressured to complete an unsafe turn when they feel pressure from behind them. Making a left turn too hastily can cause a T-bone collision with oncoming traffic. Drivers should remember that defensive driving is the safest way to drive, and it is always appropriate to wait for a safe gap in traffic prior to completed the left turn.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions can be different than the external distractions that can lead to inattention blindness. Cognitive distractions might include daydreaming or other mental preoccupations. Simply put, left turns require the driver’s full attention to complete them in the safest manner. Especially in heavy traffic, drivers should refrain from driving habitually and instead make all maneuvers intentionally and with heightened awareness.

Impaired Judgement from Fatigue

Fatigue or impaired judgement from substance use makes all road maneuvers much more dangerous. Left turns, in particular, require special attention because of all of the moving variables involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that about 72,000 annually accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Some researchers have suggested that this is a gross underestimate, and that many more accidents each year are caused by fatigue. Drivers should be aware that it is best to pull over and take a break if you are tired.

There are many improvements that could be made to our intersection infrastructure to make left turns safer. It is also important for drivers to be aware of the psychological factors that could make left turns more dangerous. Understanding that there could be gaps in judgement when completed a complex maneuver like a left turn could encourage drivers to approach complicated traffic scenarios with caution. Remember, driving defensively requires drivers to anticipate risks in order to react and adjust.

One basic rule of thumb is to approach left turns with caution and attention. Drivers should refrain from making hasty decisions, especially when it comes to crossing lanes of oncoming traffic.

Due to their size and weight, left turn accidents involving commercial vehicles can be particularly dangerous. It is crucial that, in order to improve road safety, we understand the unique challenges that these vehicles encounter when attempting a left turn. In this post, we will talk about some of these specific difficulties, the risks posed by these challenges, and explore strategies to avoid accidents when it comes to left turns involving large vehicles.

The Scale and Size of Commercial Vehicles

Because commercial vehicles are typically much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, left turn maneuvers are made more complex. Buses, delivery trucks, and tractor trailers, tend to be longer, creating a wider turn radius which may cause the vehicle to encroach upon other lanes when making the turn. This not only poses a risk to motorists, but also to pedestrians and cyclists who may be caught in the blind spot of a left-turning commercial vehicle.

Another factor that is exacerbated by the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles is the force of impact in the event of a collision This could cause more severe property damage and injuries when an accident occurs.

Limitations due to Turning Radius

Drivers of commercial vehicles face challenges when turning due to their limited turn radius. Commercial trucks and buses require additional space when turning. Drivers may find it difficult to keep from crossing into adjacent lanes when navigating tight left turns in narrow intersections. In this situation, commercial vehicles risk colliding with unsuspecting vehicles or pedestrians as well as the surrounding infrastructure.

Lack of Visibility

Another risk associated with the sheer size of commercial vehicles is large blind spots. For example, the length of these vehicles can obstruct the view of pedestrians and vehicles behind them. If drivers fail to spot vehicles and pedestrians in the surrounding area, there is an increased risk of a collision occurring when the driver attempts to complete the left turn.

Off-Tracking and Trailer Swing

Off-tracking and trailer swing are two risk factors specific to turning commercial vehicles. A truck making a left turn will swing wider from the rear of the trailer, potentially colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians. Off-tracking is when the rear wheels of a long truck take a different path from the front of the truck, creating the potential for the trailer to collide with adjacent lanes.

Stopping Power and Braking Distance

One risk factor associated with the weight of commercial vehicles comes from the additional stopping power and braking distance required to come to a full stop. When compared to passenger cars, large trucks need more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Drivers of commercial vehicles should anticipate the need to brake early when approaching the left turn lane. And should be going slow enough to come to a complete stop if the left turn cannot be completed.

Pedestrians Zones and Tight Urban Spaces

Congested traffic spaces create additional risks for all drivers and pedestrians, but this risk is magnified when it comes to commercial vehicles. If you are driving a passenger vehicle, it may be appropriate to give large vehicles extra space to allow them to maneuver a tight left turn. The surrounding congestion could cause commercial vehicles to get dangerously close to nearby vehicles when making a left turn.

Delivery Pressures and Time Constraints

One factor that isn’t specific to left turns comes from the tight time constraints that commercial drivers face. Though left turns are particularly dangerous when approached hastily by commercial vehicles, other road users should be cautious around commercial vehicles in general because drivers are often incentivized to get to their destination more quickly.

Mitigating Left Turn Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Education and Driver Training:

It is extremely important that proper training is provided for commercial drivers. Drivers of large vehicles should complete practical exercises involving left turns to become more familiar with the turn radius required to complete the turn safely. Lack of training can significantly increase the risk of a dangerous collision.

Improved Vehicle Technology:

As driver assistance technology continues to advance, commercial vehicles should be equipped with technology that could increase safety for everyone on the road. Blindspot assistance technology could be particularly helpful for left turns involving commercial vehicles.

Planning Routes:

Commercial drivers should be encouraged to plan their routes with potentially dangerous left turns in mind. If an intersection is particularly tight, the route should avoid turning at this intersection if possible. UPS, for example, has implemented a system which almost completely avoids left turns to mitigate the dangers associated with this complex maneuver.

Driving Defensively:

It is important that commercial drivers anticipate the actions of other drivers, as well as changing traffic conditions. When making a left turn, it is extremely important that drivers of large vehicles do not assume that passenger vehicles will give the truck enough space to complete the turn safely. Commercial drivers should maintain awareness of their surroundings and refrain from making the left turn unless they are confident that they have enough room to complete the turn.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance:

While not specific to left turns, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for the safety of commercial drivers and passenger vehicles. Drivers of large vehicles should make sure their vehicle is safe to drive by completing frequent inspections and getting repairs if needed.

Collaboration with Urban Planners:

Urban planners should collaborate with commercial driving companies in order to build infrastructure that is safe for large vehicles. By sharing data and insights, infrastructure can be built with left turn challenges in mind to mitigate the risks associated with wide turn radii and blind spots.

Left turn collisions associated with commercial vehicles have the potential to cause serious injuries and infrastructure damage. One way to help mitigate these risks is to be aware of the factors that make left turns difficult for large vehicles.

Commercial drivers and drivers of passenger vehicles should drive with these risks in mind. It is important that commercial drivers only attempt a left turn maneuver if they are confident that it is safe to do so. Drivers of passenger vehicles should be aware that a truck will require a wider turn radius and should give commercial vehicles the appropriate amount of space when possible. By working together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

The Psychological Factors that Make Left Turns More Risky

Navigating the Challenges of Commercial Vehicles and Left Turns

truck safety