Intersections and The Left Turn - Part 1
I hate intersections! I know they are unavoidable in many cases, especially if you don’t want to make only right hand turns, but I have a distaste for them because they help to prove just how bad some drivers really are, and in many cases, this proof gives us results we do not want to have. Statistics show that intersections produce more accidents than just about anywhere else.
To a motorcyclist, every intersection has the potential to be a very bad experience, especially from vehicles that do not stop before entering, even though they have a stop sign or red light (you know, Stop, when your vehicle wheels completely stop turning and you can feel a sinking feeling in your seat), or a left turning vehicle makes such a maneuver at the most inappropriate time - right in front of you with no "out" for you to use except contact with the offending cage. This also does not take into consideration pedestrians who may step out into the intersection against the light or in front of you because of the belief you can "stop-on-a-dime", or you having to make a left turn at the intersection which does not have a designated left turning lane, thereby giving the potential for being rear ended. Yup, there are many reasons why I dislike intersections (these are but a few of the examples) but have learned to "live with them". While a fender-bender to automobiles may cause some minor damage, to those without a cage around them it can be deadly or at least, life altering.
To a motorcyclist, every intersection has the potential to be a very bad experience, especially from vehicles that do not stop before entering, even though they have a stop sign or red light (you know, Stop, when your vehicle wheels completely stop turning and you can feel a sinking feeling in your seat), or a left turning vehicle makes such a maneuver at the most inappropriate time - right in front of you with no "out" for you to use except contact with the offending cage. This also does not take into consideration pedestrians who may step out into the intersection against the light or in front of you because of the belief you can "stop-on-a-dime", or you having to make a left turn at the intersection which does not have a designated left turning lane, thereby giving the potential for being rear ended. Yup, there are many reasons why I dislike intersections (these are but a few of the examples) but have learned to "live with them". While a fender-bender to automobiles may cause some minor damage, to those without a cage around them it can be deadly or at least, life altering.
An "All-Way" multiple lane intersection (above) allowing vehicles to go straight or there is a left turning lane. Problems here are: a) many times no one is sure who's turn to go it is, b) many drivers are unsure of the "rules of the road" governing intersection stops, c) aggressive drivers not waiting their turn, d) drivers not stopping at all (as was the case here!), and e) throw in pedestrians and even more confusion results.
Now, not all intersections are built equally, and it is good to see that some changes are being made to intersections, especially in newer developed areas where more room to build the intersection may be available. Some of the recently built "controlled intersections" have a left turning lane that is actually placed a lane space to the left of the main through way, giving you more security from being hit by vehicles rushing by, and having a "green arrow" for left turns only. Just be cautious of drivers in the straight lane jumping on the light change as they may only see "green" and not the arrow.
Left hand turning signal that allows only those vehicles turning left to do so. In the above picture, there is a designated left hand turning lane with a timed left hand green arrow. However, you might note in the picture the light is now amber..... hmmm.
Another possible way of getting rid of or reducing the left turn across traffic is to implement more traffic circles. I know many people on this side of the pond do not like them, but if constructed properly allows for an efficient flow of traffic, at a slower, safer pace and basically gets rid of crossing traffic. It does, however, places the possibility of incorrect entry into the traffic circle by those who are not sure what to do, trying to get in front of someone already in he circle, or confusion with pedestrians as to whether vehicles yield to them, or they yield to pedestrians (as noted by different rules for traffic circles on the same street in Ottawa near my home!) While not perfect, I prefer traffic circles to traffic lights or all-way stops (or Yields which make bad drivers even worse).
A single lane round-about, which is fairly tight and makes traffic slow down (although those with a tractor trailer usually have a set of wheels on the raised inner sidewalk). Note the signs that state vehicles yield to pedestrians.
And 1/2 a kilometre down the same street, we have a two lane round-about and the sign states that pedestrians yield to vehicles. Is it no wonder that we can have confusion at intersections and round-abouts? Consistency would go a long way to helping us all get home safe!
Speaking of consistency, it seems that on a regular basis that not only do we have to contend with the normal traffic situations at an intersection, we as riders also have to deal with the complete lack of understanding by work crews and engineering departments that obstacles on the roadway present to a motorcyclist. In the above picture, the sewer and waste water , along with a valve cover have all been raised in preparation for more paving. Problem is a biker could easily lose control by hitting these, and even worse when they are wet! They have been painted with high vis paint but a lot has worn away, making them hard to see in the daylight, and even harder at night. Try turning either left or right and hit one of those with your bike in a lean position (This was a rant as I noted them in an intersection and thought I would include it in this article).
In my years of being a motorcycle trainer, I have tried to emphasize the need to reduce speed, be aware of potential situations ahead of you, and also the vehicles following you into the intersection. Also, always try to calculate an "out" as you approach, from the light changing, a car entering, car with wheels turned and creeping in the intersection in your direction, pedestrians, bicycles, etc. This all starts with the "scan" of the road and surrounding area at least 12 - 14 seconds before you get there. As most will tell you, "The eyes have it", and by observing all potential situations in advance goes a long way to making sure you reach your destination shiny side up. Speaking of eyes, did you notice if the driver of the other vehicles looked at you or just glanced, or didn’t look at all. Be aware!
Like it or not, intersections will continue to exist, and as riders, we have to make sure we remain cautious as we approach them. Hopefully, road engineers will place more emphasis on safety when designing a means that allows for the convergence of multiple roads in a single area (a fancy way of saying intersections as I don't like them any better now than I did at the beginning of this article).
In my years of being a motorcycle trainer, I have tried to emphasize the need to reduce speed, be aware of potential situations ahead of you, and also the vehicles following you into the intersection. Also, always try to calculate an "out" as you approach, from the light changing, a car entering, car with wheels turned and creeping in the intersection in your direction, pedestrians, bicycles, etc. This all starts with the "scan" of the road and surrounding area at least 12 - 14 seconds before you get there. As most will tell you, "The eyes have it", and by observing all potential situations in advance goes a long way to making sure you reach your destination shiny side up. Speaking of eyes, did you notice if the driver of the other vehicles looked at you or just glanced, or didn’t look at all. Be aware!
Like it or not, intersections will continue to exist, and as riders, we have to make sure we remain cautious as we approach them. Hopefully, road engineers will place more emphasis on safety when designing a means that allows for the convergence of multiple roads in a single area (a fancy way of saying intersections as I don't like them any better now than I did at the beginning of this article).