How should you position your vehicle when making a left turn at an intersection?

When making a left turn at an intersection, positioning your vehicle in the left turn lane is essential for several reasons. The left turn lane is specifically designated to accommodate vehicles making left turns, providing a safe and organized way for traffic to flow through the intersection. By using this lane, drivers signal their intentions clearly to other road users, which helps in reducing confusion and potential accidents.

Yielding to oncoming traffic is a crucial aspect of making a left turn. When you are in the left turn lane, you must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before proceeding with your turn. This means assessing the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles to ensure that you can complete the turn safely without interfering with them.

Utilizing the left turn lane also minimizes the likelihood of hindering other vehicles. If a driver were to attempt to make a left turn from an incorrect lane, such as the right turn lane or the middle of the intersection, it could lead to unsafe situations, including collisions, as other road users may not anticipate such movements. Therefore, proper lane positioning and yielding to oncoming traffic are vital for safety and traffic efficiency during left turns.