You want to turn left at an intersection. The light is green but oncoming traffic is heavy. You should:
Use the next intersection.
Wait at the crosswalk for traffic to clear.
Wait in the center of the intersection for traffic to clear.
Take the right-of-way since you have a green light.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Wait in the center of the intersection for traffic to clear.
Explanation:
When you’re approaching an intersection with a green light but oncoming traffic is heavy, it can be tempting to simply rush through or take the right of way since you have a green light. However, safety and proper driving etiquette are paramount in such situations. The correct procedure is to enter the intersection and wait in the center, without blocking the crosswalk or the traffic lanes, until it is safe to complete your turn.
Here’s why this is the best option:
- Legal and Safe Turning Practices:
In many places, traffic laws require drivers to clear an intersection once they have a green light. However, if there’s a substantial amount of oncoming traffic that would prevent you from making the turn immediately, stopping at the intersection in the center allows you to yield safely. This prevents the potential of blocking the intersection, which can disrupt the flow of traffic and create dangerous situations for drivers and pedestrians. - Avoid Blocking Pedestrians:
Stopping at the crosswalk while waiting to turn could block pedestrians from safely crossing the intersection, which is both illegal and unsafe. Waiting in the middle of the intersection ensures that pedestrians can continue crossing freely. - Prevent Gridlock:
By waiting in the center, you’re positioning yourself to complete the turn as soon as there’s a gap in traffic, rather than holding up traffic behind you or blocking cross streets. This allows for smoother flow of traffic overall and reduces the risk of gridlock. - Clear Communication to Other Drivers:
Entering the intersection indicates your intent to turn left, so drivers can anticipate your movement and adjust accordingly. It’s important to make sure you only proceed when there is enough space to complete the turn safely, without being forced to stop in the path of oncoming vehicles.
In conclusion, waiting in the center of the intersection is a key practice to ensure safe, efficient, and courteous driving, especially when facing heavy oncoming traffic.