Before turning left, it is important to:
Sound your horn.
Yield to oncoming vehicles.
Swing to the right side of your lane.
Wait until oncoming traffic has a red light.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Yield to oncoming vehicles.
Explanation:
When turning left, you must yield to oncoming vehicles because they typically have the right of way unless there are traffic signals or signs explicitly indicating otherwise. Here’s a breakdown of why this is important and what it involves:
1. Right of Way Rules:
- Traffic approaching from the opposite direction on a straight path has priority over a left-turning vehicle.
- If you attempt to turn left without yielding, you risk causing a collision with vehicles traveling straight through the intersection.
2. Traffic Laws:
- In most jurisdictions, traffic laws mandate that left-turning drivers must wait for a clear and safe gap in oncoming traffic before proceeding.
- This applies whether the left turn is being made from a signalized intersection, an unsignalized intersection, or a driveway.
3. Safety Considerations:
- Yielding ensures the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
- A failure to yield can lead to severe accidents, as left-turn collisions often involve high-speed impacts.
4. Traffic Signals and Exceptions:
- At intersections with a green arrow for left turns, you may proceed without yielding, as oncoming traffic will have a red light.
- However, if you have a steady green light (without an arrow), you must still yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the intersection.
5. Practical Tips for Yielding:
- Position your vehicle in the left-turn lane or to the left side of your lane if there’s no dedicated turn lane.
- Signal your intention early to alert other drivers.
- Watch for a safe gap in traffic, checking all directions for pedestrians or other vehicles.
Understanding and following the yield rule helps prevent accidents and promotes smoother traffic flow at intersections.