Illegal Left Turns Are Causing A Record Number of Accidents
Houston has numerous intersections that don’t allow left turns. While this can be inconvenient, it’s for good reason. Intersections that don’t allow left turns do so for a reason, and drivers who make illegal left turns greatly increase the likelihood of car accidents, not just for themselves, but for other motorists too. The Houston METRO Police have seen so many accidents caused by illegal left turns they have launched a new traffic initiative to crack down on offenders.
Many illegal left turn accidents occur at intersections in and around the Texas Medical Center. This area of Houston regularly experiences traffic congestion, and drivers either do not pay attention or choose not to abide by traffic rules. Illegal left turns in the Texas Medical Center are particularly problematic because of the METRO Light Rail, which shares numerous intersections with the rest of traffic. To prevent accidents between the Light Rail and other vehicles at intersections, many left turns are forbidden. Of course, this only works if drivers abide by the rule.
The Texas Medical Center isn’t the only place drivers find intersections that don’t permit left turns. Intersections all over Houston restrict left turns; and, no matter where they are, drivers should always abide by the rules of the road. Illegal left turns can cause severe car accidents, whether drivers are colliding with the METRO Light Rail, other vehicles, or even pedestrians.
To help prevent these types of motor vehicle accidents, Houston METRO Police are stepping up enforcement. In January, the police department began watching troublesome intersections and issuing warnings to offenders. Last month, the police began issuing citations to drivers performing illegal left turns. Citations can cost drivers up to $200, which is hopefully costly enough to deter illegal left turns.
