Unless you're a NASCAR driver, you will inevitably face making a turn from one street, on to another. Turning is as much a part of driving as running is a part of football, unless you're the 2nd string quarterback. Anyway, making a proper turn while driving here in America is as easy as pie, so why do so many drivers get it wrong? Why, in the name of Zeus, do so many drivers with what I assume to be a valid drivers license, make improper turns more often than The Donald makes pouty faces?
First, let us answer the burning question, "what constitutes a proper turn?"
A proper turn will more often than not occur when a motorist leaves one street for another, usually at an intersection. However, the simple principals detailed in a moment can apply to turns made at a "T" intersection, from one two lane road onto another. Anywho, let us say that you, the valid and alert motorist who endeavors to be a precision driver (as detailed in my opening blog) comes upon an intersection where you intend to make a turn. For brevity's sake, let us say that you are on a 4 lane road, and will be turning onto another 4 lane road, with a center median/ turn lane. Now, in order for you to make a proper right hand turn, you need to be in the right-most lane of your street. At the intersection, you set your turn indicator for a right turn, check traffic or wait for the light to turn green, and then when all is clear and legal, you turn in to the RIGHT LANE. The bold, underlined, all caps is intended to capture your attention.
Notice that I did not say "to turn into whichever lane is free," or "turn and enter whichever lane suits you best." Why? Oh, my fingers are just tingling in anticipation of typing the response to that question. The "why" is simple: you always, and I mean ALWAYS, make a right turn in to the right lane, and a left turn in to the left lane. If it were any more simple than that, monkeys would be driving.
Through means I do not wish to discuss, I can detect far too many of you sitting there in front of your illuminated screens, blinking rapidly with your mouths agape, trying to figure out why I am making such a big deal out of a turn. Or maybe, your simple brain trust is trying to capture the obvious genius of how to make a proper turn. Either way, stop blinking and start thinking. Let's discuss, shall we?
The reasons why we always turn right into the right lane (where applicable) and left into the left lane number at least two. Reason # 1: When you are at an intersection for multiple lane streets, there is a decent chance that other motorists can also legally turn onto the street you are entering, depending upon traffic light sequencing and the presence of dedicated turn lanes. Mouth still open? Then look at it this way - you are about to make a right turn onto a 4 lane road, from a 4 lane road. Your turn signal is on and traffic on the perpendicular street has stopped, so you think the way is clear to turn right on red. What you're missing is the fact that motorists across the way, traveling in the opposite direction from you, may now have a "left turn" light, and so they will be entering the street you intend to turn right on to. As you begin to imagine two lanes of traffic now entering the same road from opposing directions, you can now see the wisdom in following the mantra, "turn right into the right lane, and turn left into the left lane." If you can not see that wisdom now, be careful. A monkey may soon replace you at the wheel.
Most of you don't even think about such things when turning, and I know because I've been watching for over 25 years and I rarely see anyone follow the simple rule of turning. One reason is that when people turn, they usually approach the turn at such a poor angle and with such speed that they almost have to cross into the other lane just to stay on 4 wheels. Another reason is laziness and the inability to judge distances while behind the wheel. Huh? Yes, far too many drivers cannot avoid running up on the curb when turning right (especially) so they just proceed into the left most lane when turning right. I guess they think they won't have to turn the steering wheel as much. Lazy, and stupid. No regard for other drivers also turning on to the same road.
If you are one of those motorists in a dedicated left hand turn lane at a busy, multi-lane intersection, you can fully appreciate the motorists across the intersection from you on your left who are trying to turn right early when they adhere strictly to the turning rule (review: "always turn right in to the right lane, and turn left in to the left lane.") and allow you free and clear access to the left lane as you proceed through your change of roads.
Why so much ado about turning?
1. Adherence to the turning rule can almost eliminate accidents at intersections during transition periods
2. Adherence to the turning rule will allow more motorists to turn in a shorter amount of time, thereby reducing traffic problems and delays
3. Adherence to the turning rule is one more step in your quest to becoming a precision driver
So, next time you turn left or right, at an intersection or at a simple T on a lonely country road, think about the other motorists and their space and legal freedoms and proceed in to the proper lane!
Or, continue to make lazy, dumb lane changes and get replaced by "Cheeta." It's your call.
Drive precise!
