What makes a left turn across traffic dangerous?

A left turn across traffic is considered dangerous for several reasons that encompass a variety of risk factors.

Firstly, limited visibility can hinder a driver's ability to see oncoming vehicles or pedestrians effectively, especially when there are obstacles such as parked cars, buildings, or other elements that block the line of sight. This limited visibility increases the chance of misjudging the distance or speed of approaching traffic, leading to potential collisions.

Secondly, during a left turn, a driver has numerous places to check for other road users, including oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Each of these requires attention, and the complexity of monitoring all these factors increases the cognitive load, which could lead to mistakes or overlooking an important road user.

Finally, the risk to the driver in the event of a collision is significant. In a left turn scenario, the driver is more exposed to impacts on the driver's side of the vehicle since many colliding vehicles may approach from the left side. The protection from the vehicle's structure, limited primarily to the door and possibly an airbag, may not offer sufficient safety in a severe impact situation.

All these factors collectively contribute to making a left turn across traffic a high-risk maneuver, supporting the conclusion that these elements (visibility issues, the need