Drivers may encounter different types of turns, but the fundamentals of safe turning remain the same. Staying attentive, signaling your intentions, and following posted signs and signals help reduce the risk of crashes and keep Wisconsin roads safe.
“Turning may seem like a basic skill, but every trip presents unique situations that require drivers to stay alert and maneuver safely,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Following the rules of the road and watching for pedestrians, bikes and motorcycles at every turn and intersection can help keep everyone safe on the road.”
On average, nearly 3,000 crashes per year in Wisconsin involve a driver making an improper turn. There are simple steps every driver can take to stay safe while turning.
Common safety tips for turns
· Plan ahead and start moving to the lane that is appropriate for the turn you wish to make – at least one block in a city area or about 500 feet in a rural area. That way, you will not have to suddenly move over multiple lanes.
· Check your mirrors, surroundings and blind spot to make sure there are no other roadway users before changing lanes.
· Use your turn signal in advance. Wisconsin law requires at least 100 feet before the turn to indicate to others your intention of changing lanes or turning.
· Slow down to a safe speed when approaching a turn.
· Look twice and be careful around pedestrians and bicyclists.
· If you start turning at an intersection, do not change your mind. Last second changes can cause a crash. Complete your turn and correct your travel at the next intersection.
· Do not drive in a reserved lane. Reserved lanes are marked with a white diamond indicating the type of vehicle allowed. They are often restricted to buses, bicycles or parking. You can only travel in this lane if you need to turn across the reserved lane in the next half of a block and do so with caution. If there is a bicyclist in the lane, move behind them and make your turn once it is safe to do so.
· Be patient when large vehicles, such as semitrucks or buses, are approaching. It can be difficult to judge their speed and distance.
Left turns
· Always make sure your path is clear before turning left. Drivers in Wisconsin get into twice as many crashes turning left compared to turning right.
· Check for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles before turning left. According to Wisconsin crash data, a driver is seven times more likely to crash into a motorcyclist when turning left versus turning right.
· If you must wait for traffic to pass, keep your steering wheel straight. If you turn your wheel to the left and someone hits you from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
· Unless otherwise marked or posted, Wisconsin law requires drivers to turn into the travel lane farthest to the left going in your direction.
U-turns
· U-turns can be dangerous and are not allowed at every intersection. Before making the turn, check your mirrors and look for any signs prohibiting a U-turn.
· Avoid U-turns on undivided highways where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle within 500 feet approaching from any direction.
· Make a U-turn only when it is safe and does not interfere with other traffic.
Shared center lanes (image)
· A center lane between two-way traffic is reserved for vehicles in either direction to make left turns or U-turns when permitted. This shared center lane is marked with solid yellow and dashed lines on each side and white left turn symbols in the middle. Be sure you enter the lane only if it is safe to do so.
Multiple turn lanes (image)
· Some roads have more than one turning lane. Make sure to look ahead to see what lane you need to end up in after the intersection and move safely into the appropriate lane. For example, if you start turning from the left-most lane, you should end up in the left-most lane. Stay in your lane during the entire turn.
View the June Law of the Month video and news release online: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/law/lom.aspx
