Traffic Turning Rules: See What Silly Mistakes You Make Every Day

The act of turning right or left while it is something natural and routine for those who drive any type of vehicle, precisely because it is a maneuver performed dozens of times throughout the day. But, over time, this habit can become an action done in “automatic mode” and with that many people end up making mistakes in the turn, which can constitute a traffic violation and increase the risk of collisions.

Conversion is nothing more than an angled movement, to the left or right, of changing the original direction of the vehicle, whether at an intersection, junction or side access, entering another street or avenue. And when this happens, the trajectories of different road users intersect.

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Although it seems like a very basic driving concept, small mistakes in positioning or when following signs are very common and can be punished by law or even represent some kind of danger.

Most common mistakes when converting

Although it seems like a simple action, to be done correctly, it requires advance preparation. The driver needs to observe the local signs, position the vehicle in the appropriate lane, reduce speed, activate the direction indicator (arrow) and check if there are safe conditions before completing the movement.

Failure to comply with the rules of conversion is among the main causes of accidents at urban intersections. See the most frequent mistakes, their risks and the framework in the legislation:

What does the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) say?

Article 38 of the CTB establishes that, when leaving the road on the left or right side, the driver must give way to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction in the lane from which he is going to leave.

In addition, the legislation brings central points that every driver needs to establish:

• Priority to the pedestrian: pedestrians who have already started crossing the destination road have preference to pass, even if the traffic light is open for the vehicle that makes the turn.
• Respect for exclusive lanes: if there are signs indicating specific lanes for turning, the driver must strictly respect them.
• Prohibition of signalized turn: places where there is a sign “No Left Turn” or “No Right Turn” prevent the maneuver, even if the road seems momentarily free.

How to Do a Transit Conversion Correctly

To make the turn safely and within the legal standards, the driver must adopt the following preventive route:

• Early observation of signs: check regulation signs, road markings on the asphalt and traffic lights before reaching the corner or intersection. On some roads, there are exclusive lanes to turn.
• Correct positioning in the Lane: Get as close as possible to the right or left edge of the lane, when it is one-way. To turn on a two-way street, approach the center of the lane, over the dividing line of the flow, without invading the wrong way.
• Advance signaling (use of the arrow): activate the turn signal early enough so that vehicles coming behind and on the side roads recognize your intention.
• Speed reduction and surroundings check: Downshift and check the rearview mirrors and blind spots, making sure there are no pedestrians crossing or motorcyclists traveling next to the vehicle.