MENU
SEARCHHere is some advice from the California DMV that may help fleet drivers avoid a common hazard found in double left-turn lanes.
VIDEO: A Critical Error in Double Left-Turn Lanes
At busy intersections with high left-turn volumes, many cities have implemented double or triple left-turn lanes with protected-only left-turn phasing – green left arrows – to help keep traffic flowing.
Unfortunately, drivers are sometimes confused when trying to determine their proper turn path on an approach with more than one left-turn lane. Sometimes poor signage or street markings are partially to blame for this confusion.
Drivers also occasionally veer out of their own turn lane because of simple carelessness; they fail to recognize, or forget, the intersection has more than one left-turn lane.
Not surprisingly, the most common type of crash in these lanes is a sideswipe between vehicles that are both turning left in adjacent lanes. That’s why it’s important for fleet drivers to approach such left turns with a measure of caution, keeping an eye on vehicles turning in adjacent lanes and keeping their own vehicle on the proper path.
Here’s a video, produced by the California DMV, which illustrates the risks involved at double left-turn lanes. To watch the video, click on the photo or link above.
You may want to pass this defensive driving tip along to fleet drivers as a friendly reminder.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
