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.
- 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.
- Turn on your right turn signal.
- Slow down.
- Yes. You can turn right on red, but you have to come to a stop first.
- Look BOTH ways to make sure nobody is crossing the street or running the red light.
- As you turn from the right lane, turn into the right lane, the one closest to the edge of the road.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn on your left turn signal.
- Stop at the light. If the light is green, you still must wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
- Make sure there are no pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk.
- Look left and right, just to be safe.
- If you have a left turn arrow, still do all the above.
- 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.
PASSING ON THE LEFT IN LOUISIANA
Who is at fault when one driver is passing another on the left? That depends on the specific facts of that case. Passing on the left is considered a dangerous maneuver, and a driver of a passing vehicle is held to a higher degree of care. The left turning driver and overtaking driver collisions represent the classic comparative fault scenario. In the case of a crash between the two, the law imposes a duty on both drivers. The driver turning left must use their turn signal and not turn until it has been determined it is safe to do so.
Facts needed when a left turning driver collides with a driver passing them on the left
Imagine a driver slowing down to make a left turn and at the same time another driver is attempting to pass the “slow moving” car in front of them. The two collide. Who is at fault? That is very fact specific. Facts needed:
• Did the lead vehicle put their blinker on to indicate a left turn?
• Did the lead vehicle have working brake lights and turn signals?
• The following vehicle, how far back was it?
• How many cars was the following vehicle trying to pass?
• Was the following vehicle completely in the oncoming lane of traffic?
• Did the following vehicle blow its horn?
Conclusion:
Proving fault in such cases can be complicated and it is fact driven. Often, stories do not match and there is some confusion of fact. Each case is fact intensive and must be properly evaluated. Documentation is key in such cases. When possible, taking photos at the scene are extremely important because it can show the point of impact based on where the debris falls on the road. Having a skilled attorney working with you is necessary to explain the law, its complexities, and help to maximize your recovery.