It’s a common maneuver that drivers perform every day. But the statistics indicate that turning left across oncoming traffic is a major cause of serious and even deadly collisions – especially when it’s done without taking time to properly assess traffic conditions.
Consider just how common accidents at intersections are. Data shared by the US Department of Transportation indicates that, in 2022, there were 42,514 fatal traffic accidents across the country. Of those, 12,036 occurred in intersections. Approximately 22.2% of all accidents involve left-hand turns.
What Makes a Left Turn Across Traffic Dangerous?
The risk of being in a crash is higher when we turn left, for many reasons:
- Multiple lanes of traffic mean more opportunities for a crash to happen. If you are turning onto a street and you have to drive past two, three, or more lanes of traffic, it is harder to spot vehicles entering those lanes.
- Limited visibility is a common concern. For example, when a bicyclist is making a left-hand turn, they have to see all vehicles coming towards them in the opposite direction. However, if a car is sitting in the lane directly in front of them, seeing around it can be impossible.
- Misjudging speed and distance is another key factor. A left-turn collision can happen if one of the drivers is not obeying the speed limit or in situations where a driver is simply trying to beat the oncoming traffic.
Distractions are another factor. As experienced accident attorneys, we have seen many victims lose their lives because drivers were distracted or not able to see vehicles or people moving through intersections.
How Commercial Trucks Increase the Risks of Turning Left
Sharing the road with big-rigs or other commercial vehicles can be a challenge. Trucks simply make it harder to see what is behind or next to them. It can also be difficult to gauge the speed of the truck. If a truck driver is operating erratically, such as changing lanes without warning, or if the driver is tired, that can increase the risk of an accident.
It can be hard to prove much of this, which is why you want to call a lawyer in the first place. We are able to get access to data from the black box and to compel discovery, which means we can build a more robust case for your compensation.
Factors Involved in Left-Turn Collisions
The vast majority of these collisions are due to driver error and are entirely preventable. But it all comes down to taking care to execute a left turn correctly – something that impatient drivers often fail to do.
NHTSA studies indicate that, in a small percentage of cases, left-turn crashes may be due to mechanical problems or environmental factors, such as bad weather or an obstructed view. But most of the time different forms of driver error are responsible, including:
- Recognition errors: driver was distracted, didn’t check traffic in all directions, failed to see motorcycle, etc.
- Decision errors: driver was speeding, misjudged speed of approaching vehicles, made erroneous assumptions about how other drivers would act, etc.
- Performance errors: driver overcompensated or failed to act in response to changing traffic conditions.
To learn how to win a left turn accident, meet with our legal team. Our car accident lawyers have a proven track record in getting results for our clients.
In Colorado, Can You Turn Left on Red?
It is legal to turn left on red in Colorado if you are coming from a one-way street onto another one-way street. You must still stop at the red light and yield the right of way when applicable. You cannot turn left on red where prohibited, or if there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Can You Turn Left on a Double Yellow Line?
You can, under certain circumstances:
- Turning left into or out of an alley
- Turning left into or out of a private driveway
- Turning left into or out of a public street
Unless it is prohibited, you can also turn left across double yellow lines to make a legal U-turn. To take any of these actions, drivers must first ensure it is safe to do so and that their actions do not interfere with others who have the right of way.
Can You Turn Left on a Red Arrow?
No, it is not legal to turn left on a red arrow. That red arrow means that you must stop before the intersection. You cannot enter the intersection until the red arrow turns green.
Who’s At Fault in a Left-Turn Collision?
Most of the time common sense, as well as the prevailing traffic laws, would indicate that the driver making the left turn is at fault for failing to yield the right of way. But there are exceptions. Perhaps the other driver sped through a red light, was drunk or distracted, or otherwise violated traffic laws; in these scenarios, both parties may be found partially at-fault.
Many of the driving mistakes that lead to left-turn collisions can be avoided by exercising caution and patience. Signal the left turn well in advance. Make sure you have an unobstructed view of traffic coming from all directions and the traffic light is on your side. Take the speed of other motorists into account before attempting to cross their path. Obey all traffic laws. If the turn seems too dangerous, given the speed and volume of opposing traffic, consider selecting another intersection for your turn.
Call Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or loss as a result of a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Over the past 30 years, Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers has represented victims in a wide array of complicated and serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our skill and resources have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices throughout the state. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, call us day or night or contact us for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.
