Making A Left Turn in California? Understand Right-Of-Way!
In recent years, I have informally observed a disturbing increase in the number of drivers who appear not to understand the rules of the road. One particularly dangerous misunderstanding deals with the right-of-way, especially when a driver is making a left turn. For example, in my neighborhood, I frequently witness drivers racing into their left turns in an effort to beat opposing traffic trying to make right turns. This rush can become so intense that these drivers lose track of approaching traffic that is coming straight through the intersection. I even see drivers rushing to beat pedestrians who are entering the crosswalk.
The basic rule for making left turns: yield to ALL on-coming traffic AND pedestrians. If you are making a left turn, you DO NOT have the right-of-way in the intersection unless the traffic signal or other signs specifically grant you the right-of-way. Here is what the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says (emphasis mine):
When you turn left, give the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching that are close enough to be dangerous. Also, look for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Safety suggestion: While waiting to turn left, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn. If your wheels are pointed to the left, and a vehicle hits you from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
Here are the specifics from California law on the rules of the road (VEHICLE CODE - VEH DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000 - 23336] CHAPTER 4. Right-of-Way [21800 - 21809]) (emphasis mine):
21801. (a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.
Again, when you make a left turn, you MUST yield to ALL on-coming traffic. Even when you are in the middle of a left turn, you must come to a STOP if a vehicle approaches close enough to you to present a danger as you complete the turn.
When you make a left turn after yielding right-of-way, still do it safely. For example, do not swing out to further lanes because you are in a rush to get around a pedestrian crossing the street. Your misplaced focus may cause you to miss another hazard. Also, try to make the tightest left turn that you can even though you technically can turn into any lane you choose; I find it safer to do so. Again, from the California Vehicle Code on right-of-way:
2210 (3)(b) Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle and, when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection.
I implore you drivers - respect right-of-way rules! The safety of everyone is at stake here. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), accidents at intersections are disturbingly high:
Driving through an intersection is one of the most complex traffic situations motorists encounter. Intersection collisions account for more than 45% of all reported crashes and 21% of fatalities according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Don’t press your luck....!
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