St. Louis car accident caused by turning vehicle

Turning vehicles are especially dangerous in car accidents for a few key reasons:

Increased Complexity:

Multiple Maneuvers: Turning involves a series of actions - slowing down, checking mirrors and blind spots, signaling, adjusting the steering wheel, and judging the gap in traffic. This complexity increases the chance of errors or miscalculations compared to straight-line driving.
Shifting Visibility: As a vehicle turns, the driver's field of vision changes constantly. Blind spots become even more prominent, and judging oncoming traffic or the surrounding environment can be challenging.

Vulnerability During the Turn:

Broadside Exposure: Turning vehicles present a larger side profile to oncoming traffic, increasing the severity of potential collisions. A head-on collision might be avoided due to the turn, but a forceful T-bone collision becomes more likely.
Reduced Maneuverability: Vehicles have a lower turning radius compared to moving forward or backward. This limits a driver's ability to react quickly and avoid collisions if another vehicle misjudges the turn or enters their path unexpectedly.

Miscommunication and Miscalculations:

Signaling Errors: Failing to use a turn signal, using it incorrectly, or signaling too late can confuse other drivers and lead to accidents, especially at intersections.
Misjudging Speed and Distance: Drivers turning often need to estimate the speed and distance of oncoming traffic to determine a safe gap. Miscalculations here can be catastrophic, leading to T-bone crashes or rear-end collisions.
Intentions Misread: Other drivers might misinterpret the turning vehicle's intentions, leading to last-minute swerving or braking maneuvers that cause further accidents.

Types of Turning Accidents:

Left-Turn Crashes: These are particularly common due to the factors mentioned above. Left turns involve crossing oncoming traffic, creating a high risk of T-bone collisions.
Right-Turn Crashes: These can occur when turning vehicles are struck by vehicles traveling straight or overtaking on the right, especially at intersections with poor visibility.
U-Turn Crashes: U-turns involve crossing multiple lanes of traffic and require significant space and clear judgment. Miscalculations during U-turns can lead to severe head-on or side-impact collisions.

Safety Tips for Turning:

Signal Early and Consistently: Use your turn signal well in advance and throughout the turn to clearly communicate your intentions.
Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: Eliminate blind spots before turning by checking mirrors and performing shoulder checks to ensure a clear path.
Wait for a Safe Gap: Only turn when there's adequate space in traffic and avoid rushing turns or cutting off other vehicles.
Maintain a Safe Speed: Slow down while turning to allow for more reaction time and reduce the severity of a potential collision.
Defensive Driving: Assume other drivers might make mistakes and anticipate potential hazards during turns.

By following these safety practices and being extra cautious while turning, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a turning-related accident. Remember, a few seconds of extra caution can make a big difference on the road.