Left Turn in an Intersection - Tell me WHY?!?

Question

When waiting for oncomming traffic comming from the other direction.... Cars are supposed to slowly pull into the intersection to make a left hand turn...SO OTHER PEOPLE BEHIND THEM can get a chance to make the light/left turn also... but I see SO MANY PEOPLE FAIL to pull into the intersection in preparation for their left hand turn, and as a result traffic backs up. Please tell me if you are one of those people who dont pull into the intersection for a left hand turn, please tell me....WHY? Why dont you pull into the intersection like you are supposed to!?!

Answer 1

I don't know, man.... my frigging mom does that, I won't even get into a car with her anymore unless I'm driving.... it's like these idiots are waiting for engraved invitations and for someone to roll out a red carpet so they can procede forward (left)!!!!

I see this everywhere... people are just too damn scared of their own shadows and shouldn't be given licenses in the first place!!!

p.s. my mom admitted to me that she had to take the driver test TWICE before they gave her her license!

Answer 2

Because if I pulled into the intersection waiting for oncoming traffic to turn then I take the chance of oncoming traffic hitting me when someone from the oncoming traffic attempts to make a left hand turn as well. There are 2 intersections in my area where I refuse to ease out to the intersection because the layout of the intersection leaves me a perfect target to get hit. They are both narrow intersections. They should be protected arrow only intersections, there have been many wrecks in both spots.
Not only that but some may be worried that they would be stuck in the middle of the intersection when the light turns red.
If the turn is competed yet the light already turned red then its considered running a red light, in my state anyway. And here you can call 911 cause you hear gunfire a block away and they will tell you "maybe we can send someone out in a while" but if you do something like run a red light there are 2 cops pulling you over...no joke.

Answer 3

I just started driving and do not pull into the intersection when making a left hand turn unless there is a go before the light turns red. Especailly at big intersections, there is a lot of pressure to keep traffic moving but this is wrong. So many people are busy with the radio or cell phone that they dont look where they are going when it turns green. I was recently almost hit becasue a mile from home in Indianaoplis. In Indiana yellow means go for a lot of drivers. A person who entered the intersection before it turned red made the turn but was hit by a red light runner. the left hand car then almost rolled into me. i was just sitting there. Just wait for the signal and you can stay alive. your responsibility is not to make traffic move faster, but to get you and your passengers to your destination safely and alive. No point in risking your life trying to get someplace faster to to keep the flow of traffic moving.

Answer 4

Good question John. Some of these answers don't get it. You never mentioned an arrow, because if there was one, your question is moot. As a commercial driver I have noticed that pulling into the intersection depends on what state you live in. In CA, most people pull into the middle so others can make the left also. In other states, people sit and wait behind the line. It can be frustrating.

Answer 5

If you are in the intersection and your traffic light turns red. By law, you can turn still turn left. The green light for the cross traffic means that the cross traffic may proceed when it is safe to do so.

If you are behind the limit line and your traffic light turns red, you cannot legally proceed with the left turn and you must wait for the next light cycle.

Because people don't know the traffic laws...

Answer 6

I don't think you are right. If you ask DMV they will tell you that you can go into intersection only if you are sure you can make left turn right away. If everybody who wants to make left turn lines up into intersection and traffic light changes, don't you think other direction of traffic will be clogged because of all you guys who want to make left turn? It's rather unfair to them.

Answer 7

well John, one reason i don't make it a point to pull into the intersection is that you never know who is barrelling down the crossing lane. True is aids in the flow of traffic IF the intersection design allows you to do so. So i guess to sum it up for you John, is some people put personal safety over being in a hurry.

Answer 8

Who in their right mind would want to pull in the middle of the intersection while green, when lots of traffic is flowing--knowing the light will turn red??? By waiting until the next light, I will get an arrow that allows me to turn easily and safely.
Noone should ever block an intersection, and if traffic is that bad---being in an intersection does not help the cars behind you anyways.

Answer 9

Its not legal to pull into the intersection till it is clear of traffic, at least in some places.

Answer 10

i do not understand why you need to not seem the regulation up like I did. besides, you're allowed to proceed into the intersection. in truth, that is taught in motive force education instructions. otherwise, you will be there for a lengthy time period. The regulation is as follows: 21451. (a) A motive force dealing with a round eco-friendly signal shall proceed immediately with the help of or turn good or left or make a U-turn until eventually an illustration prohibits a U-turn. Any motive force, which incorporates one turning, shall yield the right-of-thanks to different site visitors and to pedestrians lawfully interior the intersection or an adjoining crosswalk. (b) A motive force dealing with a eco-friendly arrow signal, shown on my own or at the same time with yet another indication, shall enter the intersection basically to make the move indicated with the help of that eco-friendly arrow or the different move that's approved with the help of alternative signals shown at the same time. A motive force dealing with a left eco-friendly arrow may also make a U-turn until eventually prohibited with the help of an illustration. A motive force shall yield the right-of-thanks to different site visitors and to pedestrians lawfully interior the intersection or an adjoining crosswalk. (c) A pedestrian dealing with a round eco-friendly signal, until eventually prohibited with the help of signal or otherwise directed with the help of a pedestrian administration signal as presented in section 21456, would proceed in the course of the roadway interior any marked or unmarked crosswalk, yet shall yield the right-of-thanks to automobiles lawfully interior the intersection on the time that signal is first shown. the motive force's guide said with the help of yet another poster refers to an intersection with a end signal, not a turn with a eco-friendly mild.