Why turning left can be so dangerous

Many drivers feel nervous when they get to an intersection and they have to make a left turn. They may also be nervous to turn left off of a road that they’re traveling on, such as when they’re pulling into a driveway or a parking lot.

If you feel that way, there is a reason for it. Left-hand turns are statistically far more dangerous than right-hand turns. In fact, some delivery companies will even route their drivers to go around the block, taking only right turns, so the drivers can avoid the left turn entirely. Why do they do this?

Crossing oncoming traffic

The basic reason that left-hand turns are so dangerous is because the car that is turning left has to cross in front of oncoming vehicles. This doesn’t happen during a right turn, so there is simply less inherent danger.

Now, you may say that a driver who is turning left simply needs to make sure that the way is clear before the turn. This is true, of course, and that means turning left is always a judgment call. The driver now has to decide when it’s safe to turn. Even if you get it right 999 times out of 1,000, getting it wrong just once can lead to an accident.

Sometimes left-turn collisions are the turning driver’s fault; other times, the fault lies with the oncoming driver. In many cases, a thorough investigation is necessary to determine exactly who was at fault.

Have you been hit by another driver?

If have suffered injuries due to a negligent driver’s actions, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for your losses. Such compensation could help cover medical bills, lost wages and other costs resulting from the accident. To learn more, please see our New Mexico Car Accident FAQ.