Stick to your lane while making a turn to avoid accidents
Drivers could also be courteous to other motorists by pointing out burnt- out tail lights or other issues while stopped or when it’s safe
For the next couple of weeks I’m going to answer some of your trafficand driving- related questions. Considering there are several repeated questions waiting in my email account, I thought I would answer them in this format as there are likely others of you who similar queries. So, without further adieu, here they are:
Q: I was wondering if you could speak to proper lane changes after turning at an intersection. I was taught to maintain the lane I’m in, signal, then change lanes once I’ve completed the turn. I see countless drivers make a left turn and skip through all the lanes to end up in the furthest one. Drives me insane! Sometimes I have to wait to make sure they don’t head directly for the lane I am turning into. What is the proper procedure?
A: First, let’s sort out what to do on a right- hand turn — Section 165 of BC’S Motor Vehicle Act states a driver making a right turn at an intersection must approach the intersection and complete the turn as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway.
On a multi- lane road, this means turning right from the curb lane and ending up in the curb lane. You should not turn from the curb lane and cross multiple lanes of traffic to end up in the centre lane.
Now let’s look at left- hand turns — A driver making a left turn must start in the lane closest to the right the centre line and end up in the lane for your direction of travel that is closest to the right of the centre line. This sounds confusing, but it’s not – when turning left, turn into the lane closest to the centre on your side of the road. If there are no lines on the road, image where they would be and drive accordingly.
And, like the person asking the question stated, always look out for others turning into the same road you are, as it’s a good way to avoid a collision. Note that long vehicles and those towing a trailer make wide turns and will straddle several lanes, therefore the caveat of ‘ as close as practicable’.
Q: I was wondering about your take on informing other drivers about burnt out brake/ turning/ headlights while we’re both driving, i. e.: I come up beside a car at a stop light and I’ve noticed they have a burnt- out rear light? Is there a way you think is a good way ( non- invasive) or should we just ignore it and hope the driver notices sometime?
A: I’ve been unable to find any law that says someone must alert another driver to a burnt- out light, but I’m of the belief it’s a good thing to do if it can be done safely. I would certainly want to know if one of my tail lights was out.
If the driver with a burnt- out light looks approachable, try catching their attention at a stoplight or stop sign ( don’t try this while moving) by waving or quickly honking and then pointing out what the issue is. If the other driver doesn’t look approachable or becomes angry or aggressive, leave them alone drive away – they’ll figure it out eventually.
Q: Your column reminded me of this solution to fire hoses crossing transit routes. These ‘ hose ramps’ were used by the Chicago Transit Authority in the 1950s. An elegant solution for transit vehicles, although I wonder at their practicality if hoses have to be moved quickly. Apparently, Toronto had similar devices, but no pictures have surfaced.
A: This wasn’t posed as a question, but as a possible alternative for fire departments having to block traffic when fire hoses are out.
My hubby is a firefighter, so I ran this one by him. He said the Vancouver Fire Department used similar devices up until the early- to mid1990s, but they no longer do. Roads are now blocked not only to prevent cars from driving over fire hoses, but also to give emergency workers enough room and safety to work.
Of course, there will always be at least one motorist who tries to go around a road blocked by a police car or a big, red fire truck, but I digress.
I’ve got room to squeeze one more tidbit of information in, and even though this did not come through email as a question, it’s still useful considering I see people do this all the time.
With the introduction of laws surrounding use of cellphones and driving, most people have switched to hands- free devices. However, many drivers using headphones/ ear buds for their phones continue to use both ear buds at the same time, which is not permitted. A driver must only use one ear bud.
That’s all I have room for this week. If you have traffic- or driving- related questions you would like answered, send me an email to the address listed below by next week, and the most frequently asked questions will get bumped to the top of the list for the next column.
Have a safe weekend, everyone!