There`s a lot more to consider when turning around at an intersection, as you`ll need to pay attention to traffic control lights. In addition, it is likely that there will be more drivers on the road than in a rural area. Check that there is no “NO U-TURN” sign at the intersection before proceeding with the following steps: While you may have covered U-turns in your driving course, this is a driving maneuver that really needs to be practiced behind the wheel to ruin everything. Still, it`s always helpful to have an idea of what you need to do. That`s why we`ve outlined the do`s and don`ts for you. Keep in mind that some of the rules for U-turns vary from state to state. Always wave before turning or changing lanes. It is important that other road users know your intentions. You are required by law to signal a turn or lane change with your turn signals or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead. A good safety tip, if possible, is to signal your intention to turn before you start braking or turning. The correct hand signals are shown below.
Despite Washington and Seattle laws that clearly outline situations where a safe U-turn is possible, many drivers continue to take dangerous turns without considering the dangers of their decision. Laws are in place to protect motorists from accidents caused when a driver tries to turn around in a blind spot, or to do so without first ensuring that they do not endanger others around them. U-turns in inappropriate areas – or careless trading of a U-turn at a legal location – can cause various accidents. Head-on collisions are not uncommon on two-lane roads, while T-shaped crashes often occur on wide roads or with median stripes. You cannot turn around near the top of a hill, curve or other place where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m) away in either direction. U-turns are also illegal in New York City`s business districts, where NO U-TURN signs are provided. You can never turn around on a restricted highway, even if there are paths connecting your side of the highway to the other side. In addition, it is forbidden for a vehicle to turn around in a school zone. Washington State RCW 46.61.295 describes the situations in which U-turns are acceptable and under what circumstances they are illegal. It states that `[t]he driver of a vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so that it is moving in the opposite direction, unless such movement can be made safely and without affecting other vehicles`. If you or a loved one was injured in an illegal U-turn accident in Seattle, you may be entitled to compensation from the guilty driver.
Car accident attorney Max Meyers can help. At Max Meyers Law, we help our clients obtain compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today at 425-399-7000 to learn more. Do not turn against a red arrow – You should not turn right or left against a red arrow. Turning around means turning your car 180 degrees on a road that goes in the opposite direction. The drivers turn around to return to the direction they have taken. You should NOT turn around under the following circumstances: Keep your wheels straight until you can drive safely through the bend. If your wheels are pointing to the left and a vehicle hits you from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. A left turn against a red light can only be made from a one-way street to a one-way street. Sign and stop for a red light at the marked border. If there is no dividing line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
You can turn left on a one-way street by moving to the left if there is no sign prohibiting turning. Give in to pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles travelling on green lights. Turn into the left lane as you prepare to turn. If the road you are taking is two-lane, you must turn into the left lane. See example below. Approach the junction by the right half of the roadway, which is closest to the center. Turn before you reach the middle of the intersection and turn into the left lane of the road you are entering. See example below.
Many drivers in Seattle have already learned that U-turns are illegal except at specially marked intersections. This was the case when many people had to train as drivers in high school, but the laws have since changed. Washington state changed its U-turn orders in 1997, and the city of Seattle followed suit the following year. Today, you can legally turn around at almost any intersection, unless there is a “No U-turn” sign. Turn right towards a red light – signal and stop for a red light at the marked border. If there is no dividing line, stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. You can turn right if there is no sign prohibiting turning. Give in to pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists or other vehicles travelling on their green lights. You can only turn around from the left side of the lane closest to the centre line of the carriageway, never from the right lane.
Unless the signs tell you otherwise, you can turn around if you get permission to continue through a green marked left turn traffic light, provided this is allowed and you follow the other traffic. The car numbers in the tables refer to numbered sets on these pages. Always use your turn signals. Do not attempt a U-turn on a highway unless absolutely necessary. If you must turn around, use a parking lot, driveway or other location and, if possible, enter the roadway by moving forward, not backward. In short, Washington drivers can turn around anywhere they can safely make the turn, as long as there are no signs specifically prohibiting the maneuver. A “safely made” U-turn should not be allowed: Turn left – To turn left, drive near the middle boundary line or in the left turn lane. Start signaling about 100 feet before turning.
Look over your left shoulder and reduce your speed. Stop behind the boundary line. Look left, then right, then left again and turn when it`s safe. If you turn left, do not turn too early and “cut” the curve of the lane that belongs to the vehicles coming towards you. Keep in mind that it is imperative to know the rules of the U-curve for the area you are driving in before attempting to perform this driving maneuver. If you turn around, start the exit from the far left lane on your side. Enter a turn signal on the left. Then, stop and look for oncoming traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians who might enter the intersection. End the U-turn in the right lane in the opposite direction. Approach the junction by the right half of the roadway, which is closest to the center. Try to use the left side of the intersection to make sure you don`t disturb traffic heading towards you and turn left. Keep to the right of the center line of the road you are entering, but as close as possible to the center line.
Pay attention to traffic coming towards you from the left and from the lane you want to cross.
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