If the traffic signal turns red while you are in the middle of an intersection waiting to turn left, you should:
Answers
Stop until the light changes to green.
Back out of the intersection, if possible.
Complete the turn when traffic clears.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Complete the turn when traffic clears.
Explanation:
When you’re in the middle of an intersection waiting to turn left, and the light turns red, the safest and most appropriate action is to complete the turn when traffic clears. This is because you are already in the intersection, and backing out or stopping in the middle of it could create more hazards and traffic disruptions.
Here’s why this is the best choice:
- Avoid creating further confusion or accidents: If you stop in the intersection, other drivers may not know whether you’re stopping to wait for the light or are blocking traffic for another reason. This could lead to confusion and potentially cause accidents. On the other hand, completing the turn when traffic allows is clear and predictable.
- Reducing risk of rear-end collisions: Stopping in the intersection when the light turns red could put you in a position where you’re at risk of being rear-ended by drivers behind you who are expecting you to continue moving. Completing the turn when it is safe to do so avoids this risk.
- Legal considerations: In many places, once you are already in an intersection and the light changes, you are legally allowed to complete your turn. Stopping or backing out of the intersection could be considered unsafe or even illegal in some jurisdictions.
- Common driving practice: The common practice when caught in the middle of an intersection on a red light is to proceed with the turn when safe, rather than risk creating further traffic confusion by trying to stop abruptly or back up.
Why not the other options?
- Stop until the light changes to green: If you stop in the middle of the intersection, you could block the flow of traffic and create dangerous situations.
- Back out of the intersection, if possible: Reversing in the middle of an intersection is hazardous and could cause an accident. It’s safer to complete the turn than to back up.
In conclusion, completing the turn when traffic allows is the most logical and safe decision when caught in the middle of an intersection on a red light.