Understanding the Rules of Left-Hand Turns
Did you know that left-hand turns put you at increased risk for an accident? Driving daily you make a lot of turns, left and right. Making a left-hand turn may seem mundane but the reality is when you are making a left-hand turn, you are crossing traffic that is coming straight for you. If you misjudge the speed of other drivers or distance, you risk having another vehicle slam right into you. T-bone accidents are often the result of left-hand turn accidents and t-bone accidents are the most treacherous and lethal. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, over 53% of t-bone collisions result from errors with left-hand turns.
Arizona t-bone accidents can lead to catastrophic consequences such as life-altering injuries, severe emotional trauma, and death. Accidents involving left-hand turns happen frequently which is why it is necessary to understand the immense danger they pose. Understanding the laws in Arizona governing left-hand turns is also essential. When you have been in an Arizona car accident, it comes down to the details when determining fault. If you were not at-fault for the accident and you were injured, speaking with an Arizona automobile accident attorney will be helpful for you to pursue compensation for your damages.
What Are Arizona’s Left-Hand Turning Laws?
The first thing that drivers should do is look for what traffic control devices are being utilized. Some intersections make use of arrows while others just use traffic lights. When an arrow is used, the driver turning left can only do so when the arrow is green. When lights and arrows are used, then the driver can either turn when the arrow is green or they can check the intersection for other cars and then cautiously move forward.
In the absence of arrows, there are specific rules that the driver must follow:
- All other traffic has the right of way.
- Drivers turning left must yield to vehicles that are present in the intersection or any that could be an “immediate hazard.”
- Always use your signal to allow other drivers to know you are turning. You must put your signals on at a minimum of 150 feet before you intend to turn at an intersection.
- Look out for pedestrians or bicyclists crossing the intersection.
- Drivers who are turning left should not cut off others who are moving straight through the intersection. If you cause another driver going straight to slow down or stop, you are in the wrong.
It is not appropriate to dart out rapidly in front of other cars to make your turn. This is highly dangerous and can lead to an accident. If an accident is caused because a driver turning left did not use discretion or yield appropriately, they are likely to be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Do You Need to Recover Costs After an Arizona Accident?
Taking your time to make left-hand turns is wise and will help keep you and your passengers safe. If you have been hit by a driver who recklessly made a turn and smashed into you, you have the right to pursue compensation. The Arizona serious injury lawyers at ELG will provide you with the strong legal representation you need to build a successful claim.
Call ELG’s Arizona personal injury lawyers today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation.
