How to Safely Make a Left Turn

The simple tasks while driving are often the easiest ones to make complex. The art of making a left turn may seem an easy task, but many traffic accidents are caused by drivers who do not turn properly. The strict adherence to a series of steps will allow completion of this task safely and with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Ability to stay alert
• Patience

Instructions

1. Make sure your vehicle is in the correct lane to make a left hand turn.

2. Signal your intentions to make a left turn. If you did not have to stop at the intersection, begin slowing down at least 100 feet from the corner.

3. Proceed with caution into the intersection. Do not turn the wheel until you are ready to actually make the left turn.

4. Wait until there is no on-coming traffic. Yield to any vehicles (including bicycles) approaching from the opposite direction.

5. Look in all directions carefully before starting your turn.

6. Slow down to a safe speed to make a left turn.

7. Complete the turn by staying right of the centerline and by turning into the appropriate lane in which is designated to be turned into.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are turning left from a one-way street, turn from the left lane.

• If you are turning left into a one-way street, enter that street in the left lane.

• Always watch for pedestrians before starting the turn. You must yield to pedestrians who may be crossing the street when you are turning left.