What Is the Proper Way to Start a Right Turn?
November 15th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
It’s important to consider how you turn right in your car. If you’re not careful, you could cause an auto collision.
How to Make a Right Turn
Before making a right turn, you should first reduce your car’s speed. You should then move your car as far to the right side of the road as possible. Ideally, you’ll want to start to turn your vehicle in the lane nearest to the right-hand curb.
When making a right turn, activate your vehicle’s turn signal. Stay behind the limit line, look in both directions for oncoming traffic or pedestrians who may cross your path, and turn your car once you feel it is safe.
How Long Should I Wait to Signal Before a Right Turn?
You should signal about 100 feet before your right turn. At this time, look over your right shoulder, slow down, and start your right turn.
Do I Need to Turn Right into the Right Lane?
You should turn your car directly into the right lane as you complete a right turn. Turn slowly to avoid making a wide, sweeping turn that could cause your car to enter an adjacent lane.
Can I Turn Right at a Red Light?
You can turn right at a red light unless there is a traffic sign that indicates it is illegal to do so. The only exception is in New York City, where it is illegal to turn right at a red light unless a traffic sign states otherwise.
If you plan to turn right at a red light, you should take the necessary precautions to verify it is safe to turn. Approach the red light and bring your car to a complete stop. Next, look for any traffic signs to determine if turning right at a red light is prohibited. You should never turn at a red light if you believe your car may interfere with pedestrians or vehicles moving on a green light. When in doubt, wait until the light turns green to make your turn.
How to Make a Left Turn
Like a right turn, you should start to make a left turn about 100 feet in advance of the intersection. At this point, glance over your left shoulder, reduce your speed, and signal left. Once you reach the limit line, look left, then right, then left again. Watch for oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing at the intersection. When you feel safe, turn your car left.
As you turn left, proceed with caution. If you try to turn your car left too quickly, you risk cutting the corner of the lane; this can cause your car to enter the lane of vehicles coming toward you and can lead to a collision.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Collision During a Right or Left Turn
If you are involved in an accident during a right or left turn, try to stay calm. Move your car to a safe spot on the side of the road at least 100 feet from the accident, activate your vehicle’s emergency flashers, turn off your car’s engine, and check for injuries. You should also call 911 and provide first aid to anyone injured during the accident.
Lastly, if auto body repairs are necessary after your collision, reach out to an auto body shop that employs certified technicians. This ensures that you can work with expert technicians who can quickly diagnose and fix any car exterior issues and help you get your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely.
Fix Auto employs certified technicians who can fix your car’s bumper, windshield, and other exterior components after a collision. To learn more about our collision repair services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Rocklin, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Placer County.
