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View Full Version : Another unsafe left turn spotted: cage this time



MadMaxmlin
05-27-2005, 09:14 AM
I spotted an unsafe left turn recently at an intersection on a divided highway that really was a classic example of "watch out for cages"

This intersection has a divided highway going north-south and a multi-lane road going east-west into a military base gate.
So me and a coworker are in a cage in the eastbound "straight only" lane.
From here going into the gate:
1) A straight or left turn lane (either/or)
2) A straight only lane (the lane we are in)
3) A right turn only lane

So the light turns green and we're about 3 cars back from the light. The car ahead of us pulls into the intersection and abruptly slows to a stop. We're like "Okay, what's the problem??" maybe using monosyllable vocabulary. Then Mr Bright Brain turns left from the *middle lane* when the left lane traffic is clear, merging into what would be the left turn lane. I'd say it would be one thing if they made the left turn and stayed in what becomes the right lane in the northbound highway. But cutting over into the left lane seemed disreccommended.

It reminded me of once in MSF class a short wide woman said cars should have no problem seeing her due to her size. I politely said they aren't looking. This above example to me is a good case of "they are stupid so expect the unexpected."

Paduan
05-27-2005, 04:43 PM
The Alaskan Divided-Highway Turn Technique:

(1) Turn left from the right-turn-only lane into the right-turn-only lane of the traffic approaching from your left, which is now means you are going the wrong way against the traffic.

(2) Slam on your brakes.

(3) Put the car in reverse.

(4) Back up into the middle of the intersection, and then turn right into the right-turn-only lane of the traffic that is traveling in the opposite direction from your original path of travel.

(5) Slam on your brakes.

(6) Look all around for cops

(7) Mash down on the gas pedal, and continue against the traffic, preferably moving over into what in now YOUR new right lane until you find another cross street to turn left on.

(8) Repeat as need until you somehow end up at the bar you were looking for..

Don't even think I'm kidding.....