Turning left is often dangerous. There’s an elevated accident risk when someone is turning left at an intersection, when they are crossing oncoming traffic lanes to turn into a driveway, and especially when there is an obstructed view.
One common example of this is when someone needs to make a left turn across two or more lanes. They may be waiting to turn when traffic stops in the lane closest to them. One of those drivers may recognize that they are trying to turn and wait, giving them space to cross.
But the problem is that there is a driver who is waiting in the leftmost lane, who may have an obstructed view. They cannot see the car that is turning left, so a driver who turns through the gap could still be involved in a serious collision.
How can you avoid this accident?
If you have no choice but to turn left, it is very important to go slowly, to pay careful attention to the cars around you, and to wait until there is a safe gap in both travel lanes. It can be difficult to see, but you should never make a turn without being fully sure that you can do so safely.
If you do not feel confident that you can safely complete the turn, it may be best to seek an alternative route. It can take longer to go around the block and make three right turns, for example, but it may be much safer to do so. Planning the route in advance can be helpful, along with giving yourself extra time to arrive at your destination.
Even if you take these steps to stay safe, you could still be involved in an accident with another negligent driver who makes a mistake. If you suffer injuries during a left-turn crash, you may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.