Safety Tip: Taking the Risk Out of Your Turns
Sloppy turning habits are common but greatly increase crash risk. Here's advice from Michigan and California on how to execute safer turns.
Sloppy turns can greatly increase the risk of a crash. Last-second signaling or no signaling at all, ending a turn in the wrong lane, last-second erratic lane changes to get in the proper lane for a turn — these are all high-risk actions that can lead to collisions.
The State of Michigan offers the following advice for making safe turns:
When turning at an intersection, use the pavement markings, signs or signals for direction on how to proceed. If there is nothing posted, keep the following points in mind:
When turning right onto a multiple-lane road, you are required to turn into the lane closest to the right-hand curb or roadside.
When turning left onto a multiple-lane road, you are required to turn into the lane that is just to the right of the centerline of the roadway.
When turning left onto a multiple-lane one-way road, turn into the lane closest to the left-hand curb or roadside.
When multiple turn lanes are present, complete your turn by entering the lane that corresponds to the lane you are leaving.
Be alert for drivers next to you who may cross into other lanes as they turn.
For additional advice from the California DMV, you can view a video after clicking on the photo or link below the headline. Keep in mind that state laws vary somewhat.
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