Before turning left, it is important to:
Answers
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.
When preparing to make a left turn, one of the most crucial safety measures is yielding to oncoming traffic. This is important because vehicles coming from the opposite direction may continue moving toward the intersection, and it’s essential to allow them to pass before completing the turn. Failing to yield to oncoming vehicles can result in a collision, which could cause significant injury or damage.
Here’s why yielding to oncoming vehicles is vital:
- Traffic Flow and Safety: Left turns often involve crossing lanes of traffic, especially when turning at intersections or onto streets with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. By yielding, you allow the traffic flow to continue unimpeded and avoid accidents that could happen if you attempt to turn without waiting for oncoming vehicles to pass.
- Intersection Rules: In most countries, traffic laws dictate that when turning left at an intersection, you must give the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles. This ensures that both drivers and pedestrians are protected while navigating through intersections. If you fail to yield, you risk causing a dangerous situation, as vehicles and pedestrians may not be prepared for a turn that blocks their path.
- Risk of Collisions: If you try to make a left turn without yielding to oncoming vehicles, you may end up in the middle of the intersection when another vehicle is approaching. This can lead to a crash, especially if the other vehicle is moving fast. It’s important to be patient and wait for a safe gap in traffic before completing the turn.
In contrast, sounding your horn, swinging to the right side of your lane, or waiting for oncoming traffic to have a red light are either unnecessary or could potentially create confusion or danger. Therefore, yielding to oncoming vehicles is the most critical action to ensure your safety and the safety of others.