Certain types of driving behavior are so dangerous that they are blatantly illegal. The state criminalizes driving after drinking or consuming drugs. Police officers can issue citations or even arrest those who race or drive recklessly. Even minor choices, like driving too fast or turning without using a signal, can result in costly traffic tickets because these acts technically violate traffic laws.
Drivers don’t have to break the law to increase their risk of a wreck. Sometimes, the dangerous choices that motorists make are perfectly legal. A standard traffic maneuver has a strong association with increased collision risk. Those developing new roads or improving existing ones may take this risk into consideration when they design roadways.
Turning left is a dangerous decision
According to an analysis of crashes at intersections, more than 60% of those wrecks involved at least one vehicle attempting to turn left. Left turns are slower than right turns and expose drivers to every oncoming lane of traffic. Other drivers may not yield to the motorist turning, which can result in preventable crashes.
The strong association between left turns and crash risk has led to urban developers getting creative whenever they must install new intersections or improve existing ones. Roundabouts have begun replacing busy intersections in many areas. Instead of driving straight through an intersection or turning, approaching drivers must follow a circular path around a median.
These intersection alternatives eliminate the exposure of a left-hand turn. Once the local community adjusts to the presence of a roundabout, the risk of a crash at a busy intersection can decrease substantially.
Left turns are risky maneuvers even when drivers follow all appropriate traffic laws and signal their intentions. Particularly when the weather is bad or traffic is heavy, motorists might want to consider taking routes that allow them to minimize how often they turn left or to choose where they turn left to avoid doing so at the busiest and therefore most dangerous intersections.
Understanding how even lawful decisions can contribute to motor vehicle collision risk can help drivers optimize their safety. Those affected by crashes caused by others may need help securing compensation. Reviewing insurance policies and exploring liability with a skilled legal team can help people limit the financial consequences of a recent wreck.