Studies have shown that making left turns is one of the most dangerous maneuvers drivers can perform. Some reports even indicate that delivery companies instruct their drivers to avoid left turns unless absolutely necessary. Instead, they may encourage taking multiple right turns to navigate around a block, which can take longer—but is significantly safer.
The reason left turns are so risky is that they require a judgment call. Even on an empty road, a driver turning left must check for oncoming traffic and decide if it’s safe to proceed. On busy roads, this often means looking for a gap in traffic large enough to turn through.
All it takes is one mistake
Most of the time, drivers make the correct judgment. They find a safe gap in traffic, turn quickly and continue without incident.
However, it only takes one mistake to cause a serious accident. Oncoming traffic may not have time to stop if the left-turning driver misjudges the situation.
For instance, a driver who is in a hurry might attempt to cut through a gap that’s too small. A fatigued driver might turn without carefully analyzing the traffic conditions. Poor visibility—such as driving during heavy rain at night—can also lead to a situation where a driver fails to see oncoming traffic and turns when they shouldn’t.
Understanding your options
There are many reasons drivers make these critical errors. If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident and suffered serious injuries, it’s important to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity and other expenses.