Many of us have experienced uneasiness in making left turns. After all, car crashes involving left turns are often serious, particularly when high speeds are involved. This is because the sides of vehicles, where there is less protection, are often struck in these accidents, which can lead to deadly injuries. It probably will not soothe your anxiety to learn that each year, many left-turn accidents occur in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has found through data compilation that between 2010 to 2014, left turns represented 4% of all accidents. That might not seem like a lot, but it is actually the sixth most common type of accident in the state. It can be helpful for all drivers in Ohio to understand some important details about left turns and how to stay safe while making them.
Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found that approximately 36% of all motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections. This means that more than 480,000 of these accidents annually involve drivers making left turns. There are several factors that could result in left turn accidents:
Not only do a large number of vehicles end up in left-turn accidents, but the Department of Transportation has also found that accidents involving left turns are the most common cause of fatalities.
Not only are left turn accidents common but when they do occur, there is a presumption that the driver making the left turn was negligent. This is because drivers turning left often do not have the right of way and must wait for a safe spot in oncoming traffic before turning. Meanwhile, vehicles driving straight in a lane likely have the right of way when traveling through an intersection.
Subsequently, when left-turn accidents occur, there is often a presumption that the driver making the turn was negligent and responsible for the accident. Drivers turning left can satisfy the burden of proof that they were not negligent by presenting evidence that places the fault for the accident on the other driver. Some types of evidence that can demonstrate that the other driver was responsible for a left turn accident include:
As you can see, there are a number of factors that make left turns risky. By following some strategies, however, it is possible to reduce the risk of ending up in a left-turn accident. Drivers should remember to:
Some people even decide to go so far as to avoid making any left-hand turns while driving. While this will require additional planning, it is worth considering if you are particularly fearful of left-turn accidents. While making only right turns might take longer, it will completely eliminate your chances of ending up in a left-turn accident.
No matter if you or a loved one is involved in a left turn or any other type of accident, the results can be serious. If you or your loved ones need the assistance of an experienced accident attorney, contact Kruger & Hodges today.