By: ,
left turn on a multiple lane would u finish up at the far right lane?
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Response from Vicki:
Hello. Thank you for asking a question about truck operation in a left turn.
Let me draw a word picture so that I can adequately answer your question…
Let’s say that in your truck, you come to a stop light that has two left turn lanes (perhaps something like the one shown here). You should be in the right lane of the two.
Be sure that when you make the turn, you swing wide enough to not let your trailer track into the left of the two lanes. You don’t want to strike another vehicle.
If necessary — and this is a judgement call based on proximity of vehicles near your truck — you need to turn more slowly to let other vehicles proceed ahead of your truck. Some other drivers are very impatient, especially around big trucks.
Even if you feel that you don’t need to wait — or that you are perfectly within your rights in your lane — do not risk getting involved in an accident. This doesn’t mean that you dawdle going through an intersection, but that you are mindful of other drivers and their vehicles. Remember, you are the professional.
OK, now if you are turning from a single turn lane onto a road with multiple lanes in your direction, you need to make sure that your trailer’s left tires clear the median or lane for the traffic on your left.
In many cases, you will need to aim your truck for the right hand lane. However, you may need to quickly get in the left lane because perhaps a shipper or receiver is on the left within a short distance.
Make sure that no one from the opposing traffic is making a right hand turn into your lane of travel. Also, use your driver side mirror to make sure that no one from behind you attempts to cut you off on the left either! If you need to practice how your trailer tracks behind your tractor, practice that.
You may want to contact the Safety Director at your trucking company for more information. Also, there are online safety courses that you can take which will go into much greater detail than have I.
I hope that this is helpful.
My husband Mike and I wish you safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
