Tipp of the Week: Wide Turns

Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

Last week, I was leaving Menards at the intersection of S. Co Rd 25-A and West Main St. I observed a motorist turning from westbound Main St onto Southbound Co Rd 25A. I was amused at how wide they made their turn. The “old cop” in me kicked in. Back in the day, you would have had my full undivided attention. That wide turn was one clue to an impaired driver!

That got me thinking: Let's talk about proper lane etiquette when making turns in multi-lane intersections.

Negotiating turns safely at multi-lane intersections requires careful observation, proper lane positioning, and adherence to traffic rules. Whether turning left or right, drivers must be aware of surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals to minimize risks and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Here’s how to safely navigate multi-lane intersections when making turns.

1. Plan and Choose the Correct Lane: Identify the correct turning lane well in advance before approaching the intersection. Most intersections have designated turn lanes marked with arrows. If signs or road markings indicate turn-only lanes, merge into them early to avoid last-minute lane changes, which can be dangerous.

2. Observe Traffic Signals and Signs: Pay close attention to traffic signals, including protected turn signals, yield signs, and pedestrian crossings. If making an unprotected left turn, watch for oncoming traffic and only proceed when there is a clear gap. For right turns, be mindful of red-light restrictions and yield to pedestrians before proceeding.

3. Check Surroundings and Use Turn Signals: Signal your intent at least 100 feet before the intersection. Check your mirrors and blind spots for vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Be aware of nearby drivers who may also be turning or switching lanes.

4. Execute the Turn Smoothly and Maintain Your Lane: When turning left at a multi-lane intersection, Yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow. Turn into the correct corresponding lane—if you start from the leftmost lane, enter the leftmost lane of the new road. Avoid cutting across multiple lanes. Watch for vehicles also making left turns from the opposite direction.

For right turns: Stay in the rightmost lane unless signs indicate otherwise. Yield to pedestrians and cyclists before completing the turn. Avoid swinging too wide into another lane.

5. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Many multi-lane intersections have crosswalks with pedestrian signals. Always yield to pedestrians with the right-of-way. Cyclists may use bike lanes or share the road, so check for them before turning.

6. Adjust for Weather and Road Conditions: Slow down and increase following distances in rain, snow, or low-visibility conditions. Slippery roads can cause skidding during turns, so brake gradually before entering the turn and accelerate smoothly out of it.

By planning, staying alert, and following traffic laws, you can safely navigate turns at multi-lane intersections while reducing the risk of collisions or traffic violations.

Remember the 9 PM routine! The Nine PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.

That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another.

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.