“Left Turns on Residential Streets” Need-To-Know Info
More on Intersections:
As mentioned previously, intersections are a very dangerous place so it is worth repeating stuff you need-to-know. As you learn how to drive you need to learn how to pass through intersections in safety. You need to know how long it takes a car to complete a turn from that ‘standing’ position in the intersection and how long it takes cars to reach the intersection. The exercise you did in Lesson 2 gave you an estimate of these times.
Lesson 2 was about the roads in your neighborhood. When you are on roads you have been on before you cannot depend on landmarks to judge distance. You must be able to judge the speed of vehicles based on your experience.
Reminder on Left-Turn Safety Tips:
- Always make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic. Sometimes cars that are turning the other way can block your view. Don’t proceed until you are certain there’s no oncoming traffic.
- It’s important to stay in your lane when you turn. If you’re in the left lane, you must turn into the left lane on the other road. This is especially important when there is more than one left-turn lane.
- When you pull into an intersection, keep your wheels straight. (Don’t turn them in the direction you want to go.) This way, if your car gets hit from behind, you won’t be pushed into oncoming traffic.
- Be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists who may be ignoring the traffic lights.
- Be wary of oncoming cars with their turn signals on. They may not turn.
