Turns

Information related to turning a vehicle.

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:

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.

CASE LAW - R v Ward

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is the story about a fatal collision between an SUV and a motorcycle at the intersection of the Shawnigan Lake Road and the Trans-Canada Highway near the village of Shawnigan Lake on July 7, 2014. Shannon Ward was traveling eastbound on Shawnigan Lake Road and had stopped for the stop sign at the intersection with the Trans-Canada Highway.

Left Turn Surprise!

Left Turn SignalA signal light does not provide you with any protection when you make a left turn. This simple fact was discovered by a lady who slowed as she approached her driveway, signalled for a left turn, saw a truck approaching in her rearview mirror and started to make the turn. To her complete surprise, the truck passed by her on the left and they collided corner to corner.

VIDEO - The Cornering Bible

video iconCan't wait for motorcycle season to begin again? The Cornering Bible runs 1:33 and according to the description is a must watch documentary for all the motorcycle riders to understand the basic and advance concepts of riding a motorcycle safely, effectively and responsibly, to understand cornering braking, lean angle, etc.

CASE LAW - Purewal v Li

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is the story of a left turning driver collision at the intersection of Columbia Street and Marine Drive in Vancouver, B.C. Qiang Li was traveling eastbound on Marine Drive attempting to turn left onto Columbia Street. He collided with a car driven by Jasvir Purewal traveling westbound on Marine Drive in the curb lane. Mr Li's vision was limited by other vehicles waiting in the intersection and he relied on a hand gesture given by Vita Sinclair who indicated to him that the curb lane used by Mr. Purewal was clear.

CASE LAW - Matharu v Gill

BC Courts Coat of ArmsWhen you turn right after stopping at an intersection, you are required to turn from a position close to the curb to a position close to the curb. Failing to do so properly could result in a side swipe collision if a vehicle is passing by in the left lane of the cross street. In the case of Matharu v Gill, Hardeep Matharu was travelling to work westbound on Nordell Way using the left hand lane.