How to Avoid Being Stuck in an Intersection

Lately I have noticed a number of drivers who have entered the intersection on the green traffic light intending to make a left turn and then backed up instead of turning once the light has changed to red.

This sometimes happens with through traffic in an intersection as well. In either case, backing out of the intersection is unsafe and may be illegal.

Traffic Blocking an Intersection

Through Traffic

If you are through traffic stuck in an intersection when the traffic light turns red it probably means that you have not been looking far enough ahead to anticipate what might happen. I was taught that the farther down the road you see while driving, the less likely you are to have a collision. Or, in a case like this, the less likely you are to be caught blocking an intersection when the lights change.

In most cases, it is illegal to stop in an intersection. This means that if you cannot cross the intersection without having to stop, you should not be entering it in the first place. Wait behind the crosswalk or stop line until there is room for you on the far side and you should never be stuck in the intersection.

Left Turn Traffic

As you approach an intersection intending to turn left, you should be looking in that direction to make sure that you are able to leave the intersection. Being stopped broadside to oncoming traffic is definitely something that you want to avoid!

If there is room to exit but you are prevented from turning by oncoming traffic you are permitted to stop and wait. This would be considered as avoiding conflict with traffic, an exception to the rule against stopping in an intersection.

Complete the left turn when there is no conflict with oncoming traffic. This may mean waiting until after the light has turned red and it is acceptable practice.

Cross Traffic

The driver making the left turn is not the only cause of the problem. They feel forced to do something other than make their intended turn when cross traffic begins to stream through the intersection blocking the way. A green light does not grant immediate access to the intersection! One cannot enter when the light turns green if left turn traffic has lawfully occupied the intersection and has not yet cleared it.

Backing Over a Crosswalk

If you have entered the intersection, it is illegal to back over a crosswalk to leave it. Remember that crosswalks may be marked or unmarked and there is one present at any intersection. This effectively prevents you from backing out of an intersection.

If other left turn traffic is present behind you, they have likely pulled up behind and will prevent you from leaving the intersection in any event. The result is a crosswalk that is blocked and pedestrians who are forced to detour into areas of the roadway that other drivers don't expect to find them in.

Learn More

• Rules of the Road - Chapter 4, Page 41 of Learn to Drive Smart
• Lanes and Intersectons - Page 71 of Tuning Up for Drivers

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