Q&A - Right Turns After the Turn Lane

Q&A ImageA few of us have recently been discussing whether a certain type of turn is legal or not, with differing opinions. I'm hoping someone here might be able to settle the matter.

There are many intersections with a channelized right turn lane, where drivers turning right are separated by a small island from through and/or left turning traffic. Here's an example of one of these intersections:

But I Didn't Know!

Head In SandI often prowl through driving forums on the internet searching for interesting topics of discussion. The following quote came from a site in Kelowna:

Sadly, not everyone knows the rules of the road and/or how to operate their motor vehicle correctly. Pressing the pedals and basic coordination is about as far as some people get.

Q&A - At Qualicum Beach's Only Traffic Light

Q&A ImageThe issue is our only traffic light up town by Qualicum Foods. Perhaps I’ve misunderstood the rules of the road at intersections, but I thought if someone was at the intersection waiting to turn left that you (if you are approaching behind them) should let them make their turn and not pass on the right and travel through the intersection cutting off vehicles that may be turning left from the other direction?

CASE LAW - R v C.J.S.

BC Courts Coat of ArmsC.J.S. is a young person who held a class 8 motorcycle learner's licence. He was participating in a group ride from Campbell River to Gold River on Highway 28. He was seriously injured in a collision near the intersection of McIvor Lake Road when a Prius that he had been following signalled right and turned left.

Q&A - To Turn Left or Not to Turn Left

Q&A ImageOn the East side of this intersection there is a parking lot with apartments, a hotel, shopping etc. On the West side there is a 7-11 gas station, grocery store, bank etc. The West side has a meridian for entering/exiting. The only signage is for merging & do not enters. There is no signage that states you cannot turn left to go Northbound on the Highway.

Convenience vs Catastrophe

Exclamation Mark SignSome incidents encountered during a career in policing stick with you for life and sometimes resurface later on as lessons learned. This memory involved a mother dropping her young son off for a birthday party by pulling over and stopping on the right side of the street. He exited the car and excited to join the festivities, ran to the back and darted across the street. He was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.