Left Turns

Left turns are especially hard for older drivers. The most common kind of crash older drivers have happens when turning left into oncoming traffic. Since right turns are much safer than left turns, you can stay safe by making several right turns to get where you want to go.

When you need to make a turn, always slow down and flash your turn signal well in advance. If you must change lanes before your turn, use your signal and check your mirrors to see if there are cars behind you and how far away they are.

Before turning, check all around you for traffic. Allow plenty of time and space to make the turn, and keep looking for pedestrians, motorcycles, other turning cars, cars coming in the opposite direction, and ESPECIALLY bicyclists. Keep your wheels straight until you actually begin to turn so that if someone hits you from behind you won't be pushed into oncoming traffic. After you make the turn, check to see that your turn signal went off.