Are Left Turns More Dangerous Than Right Turns?

Around 61 percent of all crashes in intersections involve a left turn. Left turns can be dangerous because it involves crossing in front of oncoming traffic. When making a left turn, it is important to obey the traffic laws and be aware of your surroundings. Even though accidents can happen involving a right turn, it doesn’t happen very often because there are fewer hazards to look out for. Injuries that come from left-hand turns, whether mild or serious, should not be taken lightly. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a left-hand turn, you need an injury attorney who will fight for your compensation!

What Makes Left Turns More Dangerous?

Sudden Stops:

If you are following a car as you both are turning left, it is easy to assume that the car in front of you will complete its left turn. However, sometimes pedestrians begin to cross the street or other hazards enter the scene which would make the car in front of you stop suddenly. Sudden stops such as this could result in a rear-end collision.

Unfamiliar Intersections:

Driving around in unfamiliar places adds an extra layer of complexity when it comes to driving. In places where you aren’t familiar with driving, it is difficult to navigate how the drivers are, how the intersection works, etc. which could lead to more hazards. So, when you are driving in a new area, be extra cautious when driving through an intersection.

Racing Yellow Lights:

When a driver races a yellow light, it means they are trying to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. This can be dangerous because you may not have enough time to clear the intersection before the light turns red, which could cause a collision. It is always important to obey the traffic laws and to use caution when driving. It would be better to stop and wait through a traffic cycle for a green light rather than race the yellow light and cause a crash.

Poor Vantage Points:

A poor vantage point is when the driver can’t see if there’s oncoming traffic or pedestrians in his or her blind spot. For example, if you’re not paying attention while making a right turn and another car pulls into your lane from behind an object along the side of the road (such as a parked car), then you might never know that an oncoming vehicle was there before it hits your vehicle.

Poor Timing:

Another possible cause of a car accident following a left turn is poor timing. Accidents are caused by poor timing when an oncoming or crossing vehicle from the other lane on the same street makes this blind move. In many cases, poor timing accidents happen when people make left turns without giving enough time for oncoming vehicles to safely get out of their way. For example, sometimes drivers will overshoot their left turns when they think they have enough time. This can result in a T-bone accident, which is one of the most dangerous types of collisions. Poor timing and cutting off another car is not only dangerous but also illegal in many places because it endangers both oneself and others sharing the road. 

Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a left-hand turn collision of any kind, it is important to speak with a car accident attorney or auto injury lawyer. Carl Reynolds Law Firm is the best injury law firm in the state of Florida and they want to help people who have been injured in accidents. Our auto accident attorneys know that injuries are personal, which is why we work closely with each client.