How Improper Turns Can Cause Major Auto Accidents
The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau know that car accidents and serious collisions can change people's lives. That's why we are committed to helping the people of Daytona with their auto accident cases, helping them collect damages and to make sure that negligent motorists are held accountable.
While speeding is a major cause of collisions, simple actions like merging and making turns can lead to crashes if people are not being careful. Let's consider how making improper turns can lead to serious crashes and injuries.
What Is an Improper Turn?
An improper turn can take many different forms. In a broad sense, an improper turn refers to a turn that violates the rules of the road and puts others in danger. In many cases, making illegal, improper, or risky turns on a street can lead to head-on, side, and broadside collisions.
Below are some examples of improper turns include the following:
Left Turns When No Left Turns Are Permitted
Some streets do not permit left turns to be made at all in order to ensure safety and proper flow of traffic. Left turns in these situations can lead to collisions or major stops in traffic.
Turning Despite a "No Turn on Red" Sign
A "No Turn on Red" sign is meant to keep motorists safe as they turn into traffic. Disobeying this sign could make collisions more likely to occur.
Illegal U-Turns
Sometimes U-turns simply are not permitted on certain road because of the risk of collision. Making a U-turn on these streets could lead to major accidents.
Turning from the Incorrect Lane
If you're turning left, the far left lane is where you want to be. For turning right, the far right lane is ideal.
Turning Into Traffic Traveling the Wrong Way
Sometimes a person make a legal turn but winds up turning into the wrong lane. This could be especially dangerous if a person turns down a one-way street or the wrong ramp for a highway.
Turning Without the Right of Way
To turn safely, you have to make sure you have the right of way before you proceed. Failure to observe the right of way makes collisions more likely.
Failure to Use a Turn Signal
A turn signal warns others of your intention to merge turn. Failure to use your signal could increase the risks of a collision.
Dangers to Other Motorists
All of the above puts your fellow motorists at risk. Single-car accidents and multi-vehicle collisions become more likely if you make an improper turn.
Dangers to Pedestrians and Bicyclists
In addition to harming other drivers and passengers, improper turns can potentially lead to serious pedestrian and bicyclist injuries. Be sure to be attentive and caution when turning so you do not strike others who share the road.
Always Follow the Rules of the Road
When you are behind the wheel, it's of the utmost importance that you follow all posted traffic signs and signals. Do not disobey the rules of the road. Make turns when advised by signs, and keep an eye out for your proper lane when making turns.
Use Turn Signals and Common Sense
We have to end by stressing the importance of turn signals. Let others know what you're going to do before you do it. This is a little bit of common courtesy, but mostly it's a lot of common sense. If everyone shares the road and uses signals, there will be fewer accidents overall.
Speak with Experience Car Crash Lawyers
For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious injury accident, be sure to contact our team of injury accident attorneys today. Our lawyers will help you make sound legal decisions every step of the way.