Driver Safety: Left Turns

Left turn collisions can be very severe, often resulting in head-on or T-bone type collisions. Typically, the person making the left turn is deemed at fault, unless the oncoming vehicle had a stop sign or stop light.

Tips to Avoid Left-Turn Collisions:

Choose Safe Intersections: Make left turns at intersections with stop signs or lights when possible.

Use Left Turn Signals: Turning at intersections with left turn signals is safest, as a green arrow means other drivers have a stop signal.

Exercise Caution on Green Lights: When making a left turn on a green light or where there is no traffic control, use extreme caution:

• Ensure there is an adequate gap in oncoming and cross traffic.
• Check that oncoming traffic is not screened by other vehicles.
• Confirm the road or driveway you are turning into is free of congestion to avoid blocking oncoming traffic.

Watch for Motorcycles: 44% of motorcycle fatalities involving another vehicle occur when the vehicle is making a left turn in front of the motorcycle.

Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: On 2-lane roads, check your left-hand mirror and blind spot to ensure a vehicle is not trying to pass you on the left.

Be Aware of Pedestrians and Bicyclists:

• Scan the intersection for pedestrians and bicyclists as you approach a left turn.
• Always yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, even if you have the right-of-way.
• Check your mirrors for bicyclists that may be making a left turn in or next to your lane.

Use Extra Caution When Pulling a Trailer:

• It takes longer to make a left turn. Ensure you have an adequate gap to make your turn.
• Oncoming traffic may not realize you are pulling a trailer until it's too late.
• If making a left turn at a light with two left-turn lanes, choose the outside lane to the right:
  • Outer left-turn lanes have a larger turn radius to maneuver the trailer.
  • The outer turn lane positions the driver to better observe the vehicle turning next to them.

Why it matters

24% of all worker deaths occur in vehicle crashes on the roadway². Left turn collisions are a serious safety concern often resulting in severe collisions. Understanding the causes and preventative measures can help you reduce this risk of these accidents and improve the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

[1]National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, July). Motorcycles: 2022 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 589). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[2]U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, TABLE A-9. Fatal occupational injuries by event or exposure for all fatal injuries and major private industry sector, all United States, 2023     

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