Community Forums

RMSmithJr · 07-04-2017, 06:51 PM

No matter how safe you try to be, all it takes is one fool.

i dislike left turns, even more so with the big rig. But they can't always be avoided. All it takes is one distracted speeding idiot.

Today, after coming home from a very relaxing weekend to a nearby getaway, I was on the next to last dreaded left turn. This one is tricky as the oncoming traffic is making an obstructed approach - left turn with a large building.

I get to the intersection on a green light, pause, check and turn. The posted speed limit is 30 MPH as this is in a village. As I get through the first of both lane, a pickup trucks careens around the turn. I have no choice but to continue my turn, gaining momentum as much as a big rig can accelerate.

No collision occurred, but it shook me up anyways. My first fear was that the point of impact would be the right side propane tank. It would have been a mess.

That's all I got. I'm still second guessing what could have been done differently.

Cat320 · 07-04-2017, 08:24 PM

Left turns should be easier since you are turning in the direction you can see better...can't see as well to the right when turning that way.

MSHappyCampers · 07-05-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

Left turns should be easier since you are turning in the direction you can see better...can't see as well to the right when turning that way.

X2!

purduepete97 · 07-05-2017, 09:31 AM

Me thinks the OPs concern is crossing oncoming traffic during a left turn. Not an issue turning right.

DryCreek · 07-08-2017, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purduepete97

Me thinks the OPs concern is crossing oncoming traffic during a left turn. Not an issue turning right.

Except in Japan, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand?

biggcrisp · 07-08-2017, 09:09 AM

Am I the only person that likes roundabouts and Michigan lefts?

There really is no reason for anything less. Old fashioned left turns are time and energy thieves...and killers.

Go ahead and ask how I really feel.

4x4van · 07-08-2017, 10:03 AM

Sounds like that intersection is a good candidate for left turn only arrows. I'd contact the city (or county) and suggest it.

Gordon Dewald · 07-08-2017, 10:14 AM

If you have doubts about the turn and feel it is not safe to not attempt it. At a light you are allowed to pull into the intersection (unless posted "Do not block intersection") and wait for a safe gap in traffic or the light to turn amber and opposing traffic stops to make a turn.

biggcrisp · 07-08-2017, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

If you have doubts about the turn and feel it is not safe to not attempt it. At a light you are allowed to pull into the intersection (unless posted "Do not block intersection") and wait for a safe gap in traffic or the light to turn amber and opposing traffic stops to make a turn.

Someone told me that is not legal in Florida. Called it "taking over an intersection" or something ?

F4Gary · 07-08-2017, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggcrisp

Someone told me that is not legal in Florida. Called it "taking over an intersection" or something ?

I don't think that's true.

Venus Williams will agree with me. :<)

McKTX · 07-08-2017, 11:33 AM

My husband a retired TX police officer has often told me that if I/you are in the intersection with a green light you are OK as you have a green light. After it turns yellow/red you have the right to clear the intersection as it was you had the green light when you entered. Maybe just in TX?

THenman · 07-08-2017, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

If you have doubts about the turn and feel it is not safe to not attempt it. At a light you are allowed to pull into the intersection (unless posted "Do not block intersection") and wait for a safe gap in traffic or the light to turn amber and opposing traffic stops to make a turn.

I have seen some intersections where if you don't do this you either will wait hours to turn left or run a red light...

Tom

twinboat · 07-08-2017, 02:37 PM

Move to Jersey. Then you get to make right turns only and wait for the same light twice, sometimes 3 times if the jughandle is full.

After 7 years, I'm so glad I sold and left. At least they pump your gas.

Hooligan · 07-08-2017, 04:11 PM

Florida Statute indicates a "vehicle may cautiously enter an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal in preparation for a left or right turn or to continue straight thru while the light is green." Also indicates a vehicle established in the intersection has the right of way.

If turning left at an intersection, you may enter the intersection on the green and complete the left turn after the light changes having right of way over the cross traffic.
The latest police statement on the Venus Williams accident states she had legally entered the intersection and had the right of way to complete her turn when struck by the crossing vehicle. (Confirmed by a security camera at the subdivision she was entering.) https://www.yahoo.com/news/venus-wil...041007749.html