THE PROPER WAY TO TURN AT INTERSECTIONS

Making a left or a right turn at an intersection seems easy, right?  But do you know the legal way to make that turn?  Not knowing the right way to turn could result in a ticket or worse, a crash.

Turning right is a safer turn to make than a left turn because you don’t have to cut across traffic, but there are a few things you need to know before you make a right turn. 

1. Make sure you are in the proper lane – that is a designated right turn lane or the right lane if you are on a multi-lane road. 
2. Turn on your right turn signal.
3. Slow down.
4. Yes.  You can turn right on red, but you have to come to a stop first.
5. Look BOTH ways to make sure nobody is crossing the street or running the red light.
6. As you turn from the right lane, turn into the right lane, the one closest to the edge of the road.
7. If you make a right turn and turn into the left lane, that is illegal.

Turning left.  It is one of the most dangerous moves you can make as a driver, so pay attention.

1. Make sure you are in the proper lane – a designated left turn lane or the left lane if you are on a multi-lane road with no left turn lane.
2. Turn on your left turn signal.
3. Stop at the light.  If the light is green, you still must wait for oncoming traffic to clear. 
4. Make sure there are no pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk. 
5. Look left and right, just to be safe.
6. If you have a left turn arrow, still do all the above.
7. When it is clear and you have a green light or the green arrow and made sure it is safe to turn, then you can go.

Just because the light is green does not mean that you are safe to go.  Make sure that no cars, bikes, people or anything is in your way, coming your way, or too close for comfort before going.