• 08
  • August
    2011

Many drivers know the difficulty of trying to make a left turn in a busy intersection. A left turn can often be a stressful and dangerous maneuver.

There are about ten million motor vehicle accidents in our country every year. A considerable number of them are the result of a driver making a left turn. Left turns can be dangerous because drivers may have to cross several lanes of oncoming traffic. Drivers often have a hard time judging other vehicles' speeds and distances, resulting in car accidents.

Solutions to the Left Turn Problem

Left turn lights, that give arrows for drivers to allow them to safely cross the intersection, are very inefficient. A driver may have to sit through several light cycles before the turn can be made. Such lights also stop all of the other drivers while the turn cycle is activated. Basically although they improve safety, left turn lights waste a significant amount of drivers' time.

Traffic patterns such as round-abouts and four way stops have been implemented to help drivers avoid having to make difficult left turns. Both systems, however, can cause confusion among drivers.

Traffic engineers have recently developed a new traffic pattern that will help drivers to avoid having to make left turns. It is called the diverging diamond interchange, and maneuvers drivers along a diamond shape pattern. The traffic pattern is more of a criss-cross, and gives drivers a more normal driving flow. They do not have to cross over several lanes to make left turns as they do at a stopped intersection. The drivers simply use ramps designated for left turns. So far only about six such interchanges have been built, but more are in the works. The hope is that this type of traffic pattern will significantly reduce left turn car accidents.

Involved in a Left Turn Accident?

Left turn accidents can result in people being seriously injured or killed. If you or a loved one has been involved in a left turn accident contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. A lawyer can evaluate your claim, advise you of your options and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Source: Hate Left Turns? Take A 'Diverging' Route