Ask Trooper Steve: Left turns at medians

News 6 traffic safety expert answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – Making a left turn should be pretty simple, but doing so at a median break can be difficult.

Pamela, of Orlando, asked, "What is a good location to place your vehicle in a median when attempting to make a left turn and the car traveling in the opposite direction is trying to do the exact same thing?"

As with most traffic questions, there is not a set answer, but more of a guideline on how to successfully be safe on the road.  

"When entering that median break, I always suggest that you stay as close to the median outline while making that left turn," News 6 Traffic Safety Expert Steve Montiero said. "This takes care of safety issues: maintaining a safe distance and eliminating any visual obstruction caused by the other car."

Sometimes, drivers tend to stack up with each other inside of these medians, causing a major traffic backup, Montiero said.

"If we make these left turns one at a time and stay in a single-file line, this will allow each driver to make a left turn safely and in an expeditious manner," he said.

 


About the Authors:

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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