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Turning at T Intersections
July 28, 2022 at 2:14 PM
What Steps to Take When Approaching a T Intersection and Turning Left
When approaching a T intersection and turning left, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening and how the intersection is controlled. While we are doing that, we indicate to the left and start to move towards the left, leaving at least 1 meter from the kerb. We start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. Ideally, we approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. If the intersection is controlled by a stop sign, we have no choice but to stop. Once it’s safe to go, we turn the wheel and make our turn to the left. It’s important to follow the curb line when turning, so we keep to the left and well away from potential oncoming traffic. We lightly accelerate and as the car straightens up, we increase our speed if it is safe to do so. We have looked ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
What Steps to Take When Approaching a T Intersection and Turning Right
When approaching a T intersection and turning right, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening and how the intersection is controlled. While we are doing that, we indicate to the right and start to move towards the centre line or imaginary centre line if there isn’t one. We start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. Ideally, we approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. If the intersection is controlled by a stop sign, we have no choice but to stop. Once it’s safe to go, we start to move forward and turn the wheel to the right. It’s important to not turn too early so that we potentially cut the corner and be in the path of oncoming traffic for longer. If the road in front of us has a centre line, we may be able to use the gap in the centre line for judgement. We lightly accelerate and as the car straightens up, we increase our speed if it is safe to do so. We have look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
FAQs
1) Who has priority at a T intersection in New Zealand?
If controls are equal, traffic on the continuing (top of the T) road has priority over traffic on the terminating (stem) road. Apply core rules: straight before turning and left (small turn) before right (large turn), and always give way to pedestrians you’re crossing in front of.
2) What’s the correct sequence for turning left from the stem?
Mirror → indicate left early → move towards the left (leave ~1 m from the kerb) → slow to a safe approach speed → scan for pedestrians/cyclists in the side road → follow the kerb line through the turn → straighten and gently accelerate → mirror check once settled.
3) How do I turn right from the stem without cutting the corner?
Mirror → indicate right → move up to the centre line (or imaginary one) → slow so you can stop if needed → give way to through traffic on the top of the T and any oncoming left-turners → turn a touch later to avoid cutting the corner → straighten and go if clear.
4) Do I need a shoulder (blind-spot) check before turning?
Yes, if you change road position (e.g., moving left ~1 m or edging to the centre line) or there’s risk of a cyclist/scooter alongside. Shoulder checks complement mirrors and prevent squeeze-by conflicts.
5) Do pedestrians have priority when I turn into the side road?
Yes. When turning left or right, you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road you’re entering. Scan both near and far sides before moving.
6) What common mistakes cause fails at T intersections?
Late signalling, cutting the corner on right turns, poor gap selection, missing pedestrian checks, rolling a Stop, and drifting wide on exit. Slow early, commit smoothly, and keep scanning.
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