LOW RISK DRIVING

B.17 TURNING RIGHT at traffic lights

A green circle light means go. But NOT when turning right. When turning right on green you must still give way to oncoming traffic. (See give-way rules). Right-hand turns are a common cause, where misunderstanding, misjudgement, blocked vision or a combination of these factors cause serious crashes.

Before turning right on a green light check for danger from:

1. Oncoming traffic: Remember, they too have a green light! YOU give way.

2. Vehicles behind: Unless there is a traffic island, traffic may be overtaking you.

3. Pedestrians: Give way to anyone, crossing the road you are entering!

4. The road you plan to enter:
Traffic often builds up. Best to stay back.

Same situation, two perspectives!

When facing a green circle light - enter the intersection! The sedan driver turning right cannot see the van behind the truck. Danger PLUS !

Reluctant motorists do not move forward, into the intersection, on green. The fear of lights changing and getting stuck in the intersection keeps them from venturing over the white line.

When the lights change to amber clear the intersection with great caution, but without delay!

Click here for 3-D Animation of right turn crash

The amber traffic light shows for 3 or 4 seconds (it varies from state to state). This short transition from green to red is essential for cars waiting to turn in the intersection to clear it safely. Turning right in peak hour traffic could literally take half an hour, unless one, two or more cars move forward on green and turn on amber.

Beware! Head-on smashes with serious consequences happen when speedsters try to race through an amber or red light. The truck may hide a fast approaching vehicle.

There are three reasons why you must enter the intersection on green, while waiting to turn:

1. Motorists take more notice of you Remember, see and be seen.

2. You clear the intersection quicker You have less distance to cover to complete the turn

3. Keeps traffic moving. The more cars can turn on amber, the less congestion.

The most common traffic lights: (Amber is covered in the next chapter).

	Green circle: You may go straight ahead or turn right (or left), after giving way oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Caution: Don't simply follow a right turning vehicle, without making sure that you have enough time to complete your turn safely.
	Green arrow: On a double set of traffic lights the green arrow means: Turn, when safe, in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic ought to wait on a red light. An arrow pointing left means - you can turn, if safe to do so!
	Double light, no arrows: The other light bulb is not broken. You may go straight ahead or turn right, but must first give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Watch: an arrow may suddenly appear, follow the direction of the arrow.
Please note: In peak periods certain traffic lights may show no green arrow, or alternate between green circle and green arrow. (E.g. No green arrow between 7.00 am and 9.00 am Mon -Fri). Expect a right turn to take considerably longer during this time span. Choose alternative route, where possible!

Disclaimer: The information above could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!

T> T

A green traffic light does not always mean GO.

F> L

T> I

When turning right on green, oncoming traffic may be a problem.

F> O

T> R

Turning right on a green light - I stay behind the white line.

F> C

T> K

An amber light means stop, but only after checking behind.

F> Y

T> J

It's always better to use crossroads without traffic lights.

F> S