Preventing Intersection Collisions - Turning

Preventing intersection collisions during **turning** involves improving awareness, using proper signaling, and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Here's how you can reduce risks when turning at intersections:

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### **1. Defensive Driving Techniques for Safe Turns**
- **Slow Down Early:**
- Begin decelerating well before the intersection to prepare for the turn and signal your intentions to others.

- **Use Your Turn Signal:**
- Signal at least **100 feet (30 meters)** before turning (or earlier if required by local laws).

- **Yield the Right of Way:**
- Yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns unless you have a dedicated arrow.
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when turning right or left.

- **Check Blind Spots:**
- Before turning, check mirrors and over your shoulder for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles in your blind spots.

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### **2. Safe Left Turns**
- **Avoid Cutting Corners:**
- Begin your turn from the correct lane and finish in the corresponding lane of the new roadway.

- **Stay in the Intersection:**
- When waiting to turn left, pull into the intersection but **don’t turn the wheels left** until it's safe to proceed. This prevents being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended.

- **Time Your Turn:**
- Turn only when there’s a large, clear gap in oncoming traffic. Avoid last-second turns.

- **Protected Left Turns:**
- Use intersections with dedicated left-turn signals when possible to reduce risk.

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### **3. Safe Right Turns**
- **Check for Pedestrians and Cyclists:**
- Always scan for pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning into and cyclists in the bike lane.

- **Turn Into the Correct Lane:**
- Complete your turn in the lane closest to the curb to avoid cutting off other vehicles.

- **Avoid Rolling Stops:**
- Come to a complete stop at stop signs or red lights before turning right.

- **Watch for Large Vehicles:**
- Be cautious around trucks or buses making wide turns. Never pass them on the right.

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### **4. Awareness of Other Drivers**
- **Beware of Speeding Vehicles:**
- Look out for vehicles that may try to "beat the light" at intersections when you’re turning.

- **Anticipate Lane Changes:**
- Drivers may change lanes unexpectedly as they approach intersections. Be vigilant.

- **Eye Contact:**
- Make eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers when possible to confirm intentions.

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### **5. Intersection-Specific Hazards**
- **Uncontrolled Intersections:**
- Always reduce speed, scan for traffic, and yield to the vehicle on the right if you arrive simultaneously.

- **Blind Intersections:**
- Inch forward slowly to improve visibility before turning.

- **Multi-Lane Intersections:**
- Pay attention to lane markings and ensure you’re in the correct lane for your intended turn.

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### **6. Handling Turning in Adverse Conditions**
- **Low Visibility:**
- Use headlights and ensure your windshield is clear to maximize visibility.

- **Wet or Icy Roads:**
- Reduce speed significantly and avoid abrupt steering or braking during turns.

- **Heavy Traffic:**
- Be patient and wait for a clear opportunity to turn. Avoid aggressive maneuvers.

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### **7. Cyclist and Pedestrian Awareness**
- **Right Turns on Red:**
- Always come to a full stop and check for pedestrians or cyclists approaching from either direction.

- **Left Turns and Crosswalks:**
- Watch for pedestrians crossing the street into which you're turning, even if you have the green light.

- **Cyclist Priority:**
- Be mindful of cyclists using bike lanes or crossing the intersection.

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### **8. Advanced Strategies**
- **Choose Safer Routes:**
- Opt for intersections with turn signals or roundabouts when possible, as they reduce collision risks.

- **Be Patient:**
- Avoid rushing your turn, especially during busy traffic hours. Impatience often leads to misjudgments.

- **Install Turn-Assist Technology:**
- Many newer vehicles feature blind-spot monitoring or turn-assist systems that can alert you to hidden hazards.

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### **9. After-Turn Safety**
- **Adjust Speed Gradually:**
- After completing the turn, accelerate gradually to match the flow of traffic.

- **Check Rearview Mirror:**
- Ensure the turn hasn’t disrupted traffic behind you.

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Proper turning techniques at intersections require a combination of skill, patience, and awareness. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of collisions. Would you like further tips on handling specific intersection scenarios (e.g., roundabouts or T-intersections)?