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Making left turns and negotiating curves rank high in national and Florida statistics compiled by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in causing more vehicle injuries and fatalities. In fact, left-hand turns account for close to 42% of vehicle/motorcycle crashes and fatalities in the U.S.

Left-hand turns

Florida Statute 316.151 quoted below addresses left-hand turns as follows:

• "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. A person riding a bicycle and intending to turn left in accordance with this section is entitled to the full use of the lane from which the turn may legally be made. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

• A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318."

Left-hand turns need to be taken very cautiously. The DriverEd.com website has specific tips or making these turns:

• Turn on the left turn signal before you make the turn and slow down.

• Look both ways and make sure that the oncoming lanes are clear.

• Make the turn from the designated lane (use left lane).

• Do not enter into the right lane.  (It is illegal in the state of Florida.)

Negotiating Curves

Centrifugal force, where there is a strong outward pull on the vehicle, makes it more difficult to negotiate curves especially when roads are slippery because of rain.  DriversEd.com recommends slowing down when entering curves because braking on a curve may cause skids.  Looking ahead as far as possible to identify the existence of curves provides more time to evaluate and control the level of risk.

• Does the roadway curve to the left or right?

• Can the exit of the curve be seen ahead?

• What is the sharpness of the curve?

• What is the lane width?

• What are the shoulder conditions?

• What is the posted speed or traffic volume?

• Is the curve on a grade, up or down hill?

• Is the field of view restricted?

• Can an apex point for exiting the curve be determined?

Answering these questions and checking traffic to the rear better enables a driver to determine the best speed and lane position for negotiating a curve.

DriversEd.com provides the following: Look for signs indicating curves. For example: Sign 1 means that the road ahead curves right and a side road joins from the left within the curve. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway you are traveling. Sign 2 means that the road ahead curves right, then left. Sign 3 means a right curve with a maximum safe speed indicator. Sign 4 means that the road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves.

"Reviewing some basic driving tips from DriversEd.com, should help drivers prevent injuries and fatalities when turning left and negotiating curves.  Here is a link to the DriverEd.com website where you may obtain further information," recommends Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney , Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.