|
NEXT
B.17
TURNING LEFT at traffic lights
A green circle light
means go. But
NOT
when turning left. When turning left here you must still give way to oncoming
traffic. Left-hand turns are a common cause,
where misunderstanding,
misjudgement, blocked vision or a combination of these factors cause serious
crashes. Before turning left on a
green light, check for danger from:
| 1.
Oncoming traffic:
|
Remember,
they too have a green light! YOU
must give way (yield!)
|
| 2.
Vehicles behind:
|
Unless
there is a traffic island, traffic may be overtaking you
illegally and dangerously.
|
| 3.
Pedestrians: |
Give
way to any pedestrians, crossing the road you are entering! |
| 4.
The road you plan to enter: |
Traffic
often builds up. Best to stay back or it may create a choked
intersection (see Section 1.14) |
|
Enter the
intersection on green !
When
facing a green
circle light - enter the intersection, while waiting to yield, (give way) to
oncoming traffic!
The
driver of the sedan turning left cannot see the van behind the
truck! Danger PLUS !
|
Reluctant motorists do not move
forward into the intersection. The fear of lights changing and getting
stuck in the intersection keeps them from venturing over the white line.
If
the lights change to amber - clear the intersection with
caution, but without delay!
These
two pictures illustrate the different perspectives, when
turning left at an amber light!
|
Please
note: In some countries (like the USA) turning right
is permitted on a red circle light. Do it with extreme
caution!
|
After
green comes the amber traffic light, which only shows for 3 or 4 seconds
This short transition from green to red is essential for cars waiting to turn
in the intersection to clear it safely. Turning left in peak hour traffic could literally take half an hour, unless
one, two or more cars move forward on green and turn on amber. (A green
arrow is different, see below).
Beware!
Head-on
smashes with serious consequences happen when oncoming traffic impatiently is
trying to race through
an amber or red light. In above photo the truck may hide a fast approaching vehicle.
There are three reasons
why you must enter the intersection on green, while waiting to
turn:
| 1.
Motorists take more notice of you.
|
Remember,
see and be seen.
|
| 2.
You clear the intersection quicker.
|
You
have less distance to cover to complete the turn. |
| 3.
Keeps traffic
moving. |
The
more cars can turn left on amber, the less
congestion. |
The most common traffic
lights: (Amber is covered in the next chapter).
|
Green
circle: You may go straight ahead or turn right (or
left), after giving way oncoming traffic and
pedestrians.
Caution:
Don't simply follow a left turning vehicle, without making sure that you
have enough time to complete your turn safely.
|
|
|
Green
arrows: On
a double set of traffic lights the green arrow means: Turn,
when safe, in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic
ought to wait on a red light. |
 |
Double
light, no arrows: The other light bulb is not broken.
You may go straight ahead or turn, but must first give
way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Watch: an arrow may
suddenly appear, follow the direction of the arrow. |
Please
note: In peak periods certain traffic lights may show no
green arrow, or alternate between green circle and green
arrow. (E.g.
No green arrow between 7.00 am and 9.00 am Mon -Fri). Expect a right turn
to take considerably longer during this time span.
Choose alternative route, where possible!
|
|
|
Disclaimer:
Information supplied this site could vary in your part of the world.
We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests,
even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you
us above information in conjunction with a professional driving
instructor. Site
copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Reviewed Aug. 2010.
|
Here
is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the
True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct
answer, form a word. All answers are on this
page!
|
