A traffic-safety Facebook post on Thursday reminded drivers to enter the nearest lane when turning onto multi-lane roadways, urging motorists to avoid cutting across lanes and creating hazards.
The post said drivers making right turns should “stay tight” and turn into the right lane closest to them, not a middle or faster lane, and that left turns should enter the closest available lane on the driver’s side without swinging wide.
The post cited “Section 63-3-703 – Turning at intersections” and included the following language: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows: (a) Both the approach for a right turn and the turn itself shall be made as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (b) The approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. (c) The approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection. A left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street shall be made by passing to the right of the center line of the street being entered upon leaving the intersection.”
Traffic-safety guidance like this aims to reduce collisions and confusion at intersections by promoting predictable vehicle movement. Drivers who follow lane-specific turning rules help maintain traffic flow and lower the risk of side-swipe and turning crashes. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
