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.