When we think of how we can get annihilated in a left turn, we usually think about getting T-Boned while executing the turn, by an oncoming vehicle in the opposing lane, that we didn’t quite notice.  Perhaps we’re also aware we could get rear-ended while waiting for our turn, an event that could promptly launch us into same, said oncoming traffic.  But there are a couple of slightly more subtle left turn scenarios that can create equally devastating results while deploying more than just a few air bags.

Before we get to these little “gotcha’s,” let’s take a quick peek at the second scenario mentioned above.  When waiting to make a left turn, we always want to keep our front wheels aimed straight.  If we do get smacked from behind, at least we’ll end up being pushed straight forward.  If our wheels are turned left, ready to make the turn, a pounding from behind will almost guarantee that we get shoved right into that oncoming traffic.  Not good – especially for anyone who may be residing in the right side seats of our little buggies.

Anyway, let’s get back to the little “gotcha’s” we want to talk about.  The first one takes place when we’re waiting to make the left, and the second unfolds when we’re coming up on someone else waiting to make said left.  In both cases, judicious use of the side rear view mirrors by the subject perpetrating the left turn can help prevent crumpled metal.  In the second case, recognizing the hazard can help avoid the same results.

So we’re sitting at the intersection, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass so we can execute our little old left hand turn.  Perhaps we’re being a little cautious or perhaps not, but in any event, we’re being way too cautious and we’re waiting just far too long for the anxious little wag-tail behind us.  Finally, he decides to yield to his impulsive (perhaps suicidal) nature.  He powers by us on our left and surges on into the shrinking gap in the oncoming traffic.

It stands to reason that this guy will attempt this life threatening maneuver at just the moment we have decided to go for it.  We go, he goes, and pow!  He ends up with his bumper in our door, most likely as we’re both well into the opposing lane and countless vehicles are bearing down on us with wheels locked in panic and looks of impending doom on their faces – faces we can suddenly see very clearly and that will probably remain in memory for the rest of our lives.

But it doesn’t have to happen that way.  Fortunately, we’ve been keeping an eye on this anxious little puppy in our rear view mirror.  We’re instantly ready to stop and let him go when he zips around us in his quest to become yet another news statistic.  If he makes it through the gap, great!  He’ll live to die another day.  If he doesn’t make it, at least he didn’t hit us, and we’re in a really good position to dial 911 and advise them of the carnage.

In the second scenario, we’re still ready to make the left but suddenly we realize it’s not quite the street we wanted to turn into.  We decide to cancel our turn and zing back into the traffic.  The poor gal buzzing by us didn’t exactly expect us to do that silly thing, just as she was passing us on our right.  She quickly introduces her front left bumper to the right side of our little buggy, somewhere within the vicinity of our front and rear quarter panels.

Depending on how hard she whacks us, we might get spun around just a little bit.  She too, could end up navigating cute little 180 to 360 plus spins, either into, or hopefully out of the way of other traffic.

Anytime we decide to cancel a left turn and move back into the lane of traffic from whence we came, a quick glance in our right side rear view mirror would seem most prudent.

If we happen to be piloting the vehicle passing someone making a left turn, we must always consider that they just might change their mind and swing right back out in front of us.  We at least, want to be watching those front wheel tires.  If they suddenly change direction, it’s a really huge warning sign that this buggy might be ready to really ruin our day.

Recognize the hazard, slow down if necessary and always make sure you have escape room on your right side to avoid the otherwise inevitable impact.

“Two little Left Turn Gotcha’s.”  Avoiding them is all about using those rear view mirrors – and recognizing the hazard before it becomes an emergency.

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