Left Turn Across Two Oncoming Lanes
You are stopped at a four-way intersection waiting to turn left from a two-way street onto a two-way street. It is 5:30 p.m. in light rain. The light is green for you, but there is no protected left-turn arrow. Across the intersection, a box truck is stopped in the near oncoming lane, waiting to turn left as well, partially blocking your view of the far oncoming lane. A gap in the near lane opens. You can see a motorcycle approaching in the far lane at what looks like 50 km/h, but the truck blocks your view of the lane closer to you. Your front wheel is turned slightly left, and your foot is down on the wet pavement. A pedestrian is waiting on the far corner.
1. Why is the box truck a hazard beyond simply blocking your view?
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The truck creates a visual shadow - a zone you cannot see into - and it also creates a false gap. Because the truck is stopped, the near oncoming lane may appear clear when in fact a vehicle is approaching behind the truck and will emerge into your path just as you commit.
The truck is also turning left, so its path and yours cross. If you both proceed at the same time, you can collide in the middle of the intersection. And because it is large, it may move slowly and unpredictably as it waits for its own gap.
Treat the shadow as occupied until proven otherwise: assume a vehicle is hidden there and do not turn until you can see far enough into that lane to be sure it is clear.
2. You have a green light. Does that give you the right of way to turn left? Explain.
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No. A green light gives you permission to enter the intersection, but a left turn across oncoming traffic still requires you to yield to oncoming vehicles unless you have a protected arrow. The oncoming motorcycle at 50 km/h has the right of way over your turn.
At 50 km/h the motorcycle covers about 14 m per second. Even if it is 50 m away, it reaches you in roughly 3.5 seconds - less than the time it takes to complete a turn from a stop on wet pavement. You must wait for a gap you can see and judge, not one you assume exists because your light is green.
3. Your front wheel is turned left and your foot is on wet pavement. What should you change, and why?
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Straighten the front wheel while waiting. A turned front wheel means that if you are struck from behind or the bike lurches, you will be pushed into the oncoming lane rather than forward. Keep the wheel pointed straight ahead until you are actually ready to turn.
Keep your foot firmly planted and avoid leaning on the wet surface - a wet boot on wet pavement can slip, and a slip at a stop can drop the bike into traffic.
Do not creep forward into the intersection on a green with no protected arrow and a blocked view. Stay behind the stop line until you have a confirmed clear gap, then turn decisively. Watch the pedestrian on the far corner as well; if they step off, your turn path may cross theirs.