The Wisconsin DOT handbook on right of way involving turns gives us the following information:
The safest way to make turns is to go from one travel lane to the other as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or interfering with other traffic. Once you have completed your turn, you can change to another lane if you need to. Do not drive in a reserved lane. Reserved lanes or those marked for parking, or restricted to buses, bicycles, or marked for turns only are not travel lanes except for buses or bicycles. You should only drive in them when you are within half a block of where you plan to turn. If there are signs or lane markings that allow for two or more turning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn.
Right turns. After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the travel lane farthest to the right. Before starting to turn, look right and left. Remember to yield the right-of-way, if necessary. Move your vehicle around the corner and into the travel lane farthest to the right.
Do not swing wide. Avoid swinging wide to the left before starting to make the turn. If you swing wide, the driver behind you may think you are changing lanes or going to turn left and may try to pass you on the right. If you swing wide as you complete the turn, drivers who are in the far lane will not expect to see you there. Caution: Watch for large trucks and buses making right turns. In order to make the turn, they may need to swing left before turning right. Do not attempt to pass these vehicles on the right.
Left turns. On a left turn or U-turn, turn into the travel lane farthest to the left going in your direction. This way, you will cross the fewest lanes of traffic. After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the turn lane (if there is one) or the travel lane farthest to the left. Before starting to turn, look left, right, across the intersection, then left again. Remember to yield the right of way, if necessary. Pull out toward the midpoint of the intersection. Wait, with wheels straight, until it is clear to turn. If the traffic light turns red, complete the turn when it is safe. Keep just left of the midpoint of the intersection as you turn. Don’t turn the wheels while you are waiting to make a left turn or U-turn. If your wheels are turned and you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. Be sure to leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. Be aware of traffic approaching on your left. When you make a left turn, avoid cutting the corner so sharply that you run into traffic approaching on your left. When you make a U-turn, watch for cars turning right-on-red that may not watch for you and yield as they should.
McCormick Law Office attorneys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
