MTO Approved Certificate Program

Mastering Left Turns: Safety and Techniques

VEHICLE HANDLING: Left turns

Left Turns Safety Guide | Vehicle Handling Insights

When making a left turn, it's essential to follow these steps to ensure safety and compliance with traffic regulations:

Prepare for the Turn:

  • Position: Move into the leftmost lane appropriate for the turn.
  • Signal: Activate your left turn signal well in advance to inform other drivers.

Approach the Intersection:

  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed as you approach the intersection.
  • Obey Signals: Follow all traffic lights, signs, and road markings.

Check Surroundings:

  • Traffic: Ensure oncoming vehicles are stopped or far enough away (for two-way roads). Ensure no vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction (for one-way streets).
  • Pedestrians and Cyclists: Look for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street.
  • Blind Spots: Perform a shoulder check for vehicles or bicycles in your blind spot.

Execute the Turn:

  • Turn into the Correct Lane: Ensure you enter the appropriate lane without crossing into other lanes.
  • Smooth Steering: Use controlled steering to stay within the lane markings.

Complete the Turn:

  • Adjust Speed: Straighten your wheels and match the flow of traffic.
  • Cancel Signal: Turn off your signal after completing the turn.

Specific Road Configurations:

Two-Way Road to Two-Way Road:

  • Turn into the leftmost lane of the new two-way road.

Two-Way Road to One-Way Road:

  • Turn into the leftmost lane of the one-way road.

One-Way Road to Two-Way Road:

  • Turn into the leftmost lane of the new two-way road.

One-Way Road to One-Way Road:

  • Turn into the leftmost lane of the new one-way road.

Following these streamlined steps and considering the specific road configuration, you can safely and effectively turn left in various driving situations.

A. Two-way road to a two-way road:

Two-way road to a two-way road

B. Two-way road to a one-way road:

Two-way road to a one-way road

C. One-way road to a two-way road:

One-way road to a two-way road

D. One-way road to a one-way road:

One-way road to a one-way road.



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