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17.  TURNING LEFT at traffic lights
Left-hand turns at traffic lights are a common cause, where misunderstanding, misjudgement, blocked vision or a combination of these factors cause serious crashes. A green circle light means go, but NOT when turning left. You must still give way to all oncoming traffic!

Before turning left on green check carefully for these:

1. Oncoming traffic:  They too have a green light! Traffic turning left (you) must give way!
2. Vehicles behind: Unless there is a traffic island, check for traffic overtaking you!
3. Pedestrians: Give way to anyone, crossing the road you are entering! 
4. The road you plan to enter: If traffic has built up (traffic jam) you may not be able to complete a left turn. Stay back!

Same traffic situation - two different aspects!

1.Green circle light:

When the lights turn green, enter the intersection. Note: the turning sedan driver cannot see the van.

 

<<< The truck is blocking the view of the turning driver.

2. The lights turn amber:

Clear the intersection promptly, with caution. You have only seconds to do so. 

Beware: A driver in a hurry, hidden behind the truck, may be coming through at the last moment!     
Reluctant motorists fail to enter the intersection on green. The fear of getting stuck in the intersection, after the lights turn amber, keeps them from venturing over the white line. On green enter the intersection!

There are three good reasons why we enter the intersection on green:
1. It takes less time to clear the intersection on amber.

2. You are seen better in the intersection than behind the white line.

3. It keeps traffic moving. In peak hours it could take a long time to turn, if no traffic were to move over the white line to complete the turn on amber. The more vehicles clear the intersection the less congestion! 

 

Dual column traffic lights:

Red circle, green arrow: Straight ahead traffic must wait for green circle. Traffic can turn left with caution, but does not have to give way to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Before turning check that the road you are turning into is not blocked with traffic. In this case do not commence to turn. 
Green circle, blank light: Proceed straight ahead with caution. (See also Section 21). Turn left permitted, after following the rules explained above, giving way to oncoming traffic etc. Keep watching for a green arrow to appear or the light to turn amber!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer 2001 - Learner Driver Hub 2020.