Improper passing and turning can cause serious accidents that result in traumatic injuries and death. This is true for drivers of passenger cars and trucks. Improper road etiquette is generally due to negligence. A driver must learn the laws of their state before taking to the highway. Truck and commercial drivers are held to an even higher standard. Because of this, driving in a way that violates the law is always considered to be driver error. Let’s take a look at improper passing and turning and how such acts impact on safety.
Trucking Lawyer for Passing & Turning Crashes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles 18-Wheeler accident lawyer David Azizi is one of the top personal injury lawyers in the city, according to Super Lawyers, a preeminent ranking organization for the legal profession. He has been practicing personal injury law for 25 years. David offers his clients compassion, legal acumen and a fighting spirit when it comes to their rights. When a negligent driver has harmed you, turn to David for help. Just call (800) 991-5292 to schedule a free case review. David will offer insight into your case and give you an estimate of what your case is worth. Call as soon as possible since evidence may be lost, witnesses may forget details and the time limit to file a case may be reached.
What Is Improper Passing?
There are circumstances where it is against the rules of the road to pass another vehicle in California. For instance, it is illegal to pass if you are approaching a curve or a hill and are unable to see if traffic is coming. Another example where passing is illegal is if a driver is within 100 feet of a tunnel, intersection bridge or railroad crossing. It is generally up to the driver to decide if they have enough time and space to pass. Driving off the road to pass is prohibited.
The Correct Way to Pass
Passing on the left is usually the correct way to pass. There are exceptions to this as described below. It is important to signal before passing, and never pass unless you are sure you have enough space to do so. It is better to avoid passing motorcycles and bicycles on a two-lane road. If it is necessary to pass a bicyclist, slow down until you have ample room to do so, and make sure there are three feet between your vehicle and the cyclist.
Once Passing Is Complete
Once you have passed a vehicle, return to your initial lane. Check to be sure there is enough space for you to move back into the lane by using your mirrors and judgment. It is risky to try to pass several vehicles at the same time.
Passing on the Right
There are times when you can and can’t pass another vehicle on the right. They are:
- A driver can pass on the right if the motorist to the left is about to make a left-hand turn.
- The driver to the right cannot pass if the right lane is an exit-only lane.
- The driver can pass on the right in a business district with two lanes marked for traffic in a specific direction.
- It is permissible to pass on the right on a divided highway in California where everyone on that side of the highway is moving in the same direction.
- Passing on the right is permitted as long as the vehicle does not enter the road shoulder.
- You cannot pass on the right in a no-pass zone.
Improper Turning
Many serious accidents occur due to improper turning. This can put a vehicle directly in the path of oncoming traffic. It can also be deadly to cyclists. Some common illegal turns are:
- Illegal U-turns: Making a U-turn at an intersection where it is prohibited is one of the most common examples of improper turning. California Vehicle Code Sections 22100.5 and 21451 say that U-turns are allowed unless signage specifies that no U-turns are permitted. A U-turn can only be made from the far left lane. U-turns in a business district are permissible as long as they are made at an intersection. A U-turn in a residential area is allowed if no other vehicle is approaching within 200 feet or at an intersection. A driver making a U-turn must have an unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions on a highway.
- Illegal turn at a red light: Under California Vehicle Code Section 21453(b), it is permissible to make a turn at a red light as long as you come to a full stop, and there is no signage prohibiting it.
- Improper left turn: Under California Vehicle Code Section 22101, a left turn at a traffic light is permitted as long as there are no signs saying it is prohibited. However, it is illegal to make a left-hand turn at a traffic light once the light has turned red.
Improper Turns in a Big Rig
A truck driver has other things to watch out for besides the above. They are:
- Truckers must be careful of turning too widely so that their vehicle doesn’t enter another lane
- Making a turn too sharply since this may cause a rollover
- Being cognizant of the traffic in the area since turning a truck sometimes takes longer
Additional Data Involving Turns in California
Here are some additional turning facts:
- It is legal to make a U-turn across a double yellow line as long as your view is unobstructed for 200 feet in both directions.
- Improper turns add points to your drivers license. For instance, an improper U-turn can add one point for each offense.
- Making a three-point turn is not considered a U-turn.
Free Case Review for Your Passing or Turning Crash with a Commercial Vehicle
If you’ve been in an accident with someone who made an illegal turn or passed improperly, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. David Azizi will investigate the accident to prove that negligence occurred. He wins 98 percent of his cases since he applies years of experience in all types of car and truck accidents. Call him at (800) 991-5292 to set up your free case review. It is crucial to do this as soon as possible after an accident before important evidence disappears or witnesses forget the details surrounding the crash.
