ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
A News 6 viewer on Thursday asked, “When turning left, and another vehicle is turning right, which lane is the proper one to turn into?”
“When conducting a left turn at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal, there are a few things to be aware of,” Trooper Steve said. “When making a left turn on a solid green light, you are required to yield right away to anybody approaching you from the opposite direction, including those making a right on green. If you are making a left turn on a flashing yellow arrow, the procedures would be the same.”
A driver making a left turn would have the direct right of way if they were making their left turn on a left green arrow.
“I would encourage a driver to be extremely cautious while doing this as some drivers fail to make a complete stop when conducting a right turn on the opposite side of the intersection,” he added. “A driver making a left turn from a single left turn travel lane has the option when conducting that left turn to either stay in the left lane or travel to the right, but this must be done with caution.”
On the opposite side, a driver making a right turn on green would only have to be aware of pedestrians.
“At times, the pedestrian could have the right of way over the vehicle, depending on traffic control devices in that area,” Trooper Steve said. “When a driver is making a right turn, the driver shall turn right to the furthest right travel lane.”
Whatever the rules are, a driver must understand when they are required to yield to other drivers.
“When our ego gets in the way, we begin to make simple mistakes that result in crashes,” he concluded.
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