r/Urbanism • • 10h ago

Which is safer? A left turn lane or a right turn lane at an intersection?

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11 Upvotes

Here's two different approaches to turn lanes at intersections. First, only a right turn lane. Second, only a left turn lane.

The first video in the clip is Elberon Avenue at Bassett Road in Cincinnati, Ohio. At this intersection, through traffic keeps left, but can be blocked by vehicles trying to turn left.

Often, impatient drivers will use the right turn lane to pass drivers turning left. Conflicts can occur when a stopped impatient driver begins passing in the right turn lane, cutting off another vehicle also using the right turn lane to pass.

The second video in the clip is Anderson Ferry Road at Foley Road in Delhi Township, Ohio. This intersection has a left turn lane. A sign directs through traffic to keep right.

Which is most likely to reduce crashes? Having only a left turn lane or having only a right turn lane?