Intersections and Turning

You read about turning a bit earlier in the course. We have also covered the subject of intersections. Now, it’s time to put both together. You learned about how to execute a normal turn – smooth and gradual, using the outside of your lane as a guide. Once you enter an intersection, there are some new things to consider. They are not as much techniques as they are rules:

When making a left turn from a two way street to
 another two way street, make sure your vehicle is
in the far left lane of your direction of travel.

• As usual, slow down and signal a good 100 feet before you plan to turn.
• Pull into the intersection just short of the half way point. This allows for drivers coming from the other direction to turn as well.
• Be extremely careful. Watch for and yield to oncoming traffic.
• When your path is clear, make a smooth, gradual turn left and proceed. As always, watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before you turn.
• If there is more than one lane in your direction of travel and a left turn is allowed from more than one lane, you must turn into the lane on your new street that matches the one you just left. Occupying any other lane may cause you to cut off another driver. Not only that, this practice is illegal in Alabama.

When turning left from a one way street to another one way street, the same practice applies whether there are one or more lanes. Also be aware of this. In this particular situation, it is perfectly legal to make a left turn on red. This, of course is only after you make a complete stop.

When turning left from a one way street to a two way street,
 you will use the procedure outlined above and…

• Start at the far left lane or against the left curb line.
• Turn left into the far left lane that flows in your direction.
• Again, watch for and yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Do not change lanes in the middle of your turn. Match the lane you left from
  to the lane you enter.

Turning right at intersections is quite a bit less complicated because you need not worry about oncoming traffic. That said, good defensive drivers always check in all directions any time they operate in and around intersections.

To make a right turn at an intersection…

• Slow down and signal as usual. You should be in the far right lane. If right turns are allowed from more than one lane, make sure you are in a lane from which it is legal to turn right.
• Take extreme care that no pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycles are coming from behind you. Remember, when you turn right, you could be cutting across their path.
• Use the outside of your lane as a guide for your turn. If you use the curb line, your turn will be too sharp. You will “jump the curb.”
• Never swing wide to make a turn. This will cause you to drift out in front of drivers coming from behind you. Even worse, you may swing out into oncoming traffic.
• Match the lane that you left with the lane on your new street. Otherwise, you may cut off a driver turning right at the same time as you.
• Remember, at most intersections, you may turn right at a red light after you come to a stop. Watch for signs that expressly prohibit this or allow it only at certain times of day.