Is It Legal to Use a Left-Turn Lane to Merge?

Last week I wrote to you from Atlanta, GA, where I traveled with my daughter Megan to help her get set up for college. We had a bit of excitement on our way back.

My daughter, Megan, was driving on I-75, just north of Lexington, KY, on our travel back to Michigan and it was raining pretty good. We crested a hill and a short distance ahead, a huge traffic crash with semi-trucks jackknifed, multiple cars crashed, including one under a semi-trailer. It was a humdinger of a crash.

Because Megan had reduced her speed, because of the rain, and increased her distance from the vehicle she was following, when we came upon the crash she was able to brake safely, had room to maneuver and avoided the crash. We were able to exit the highway and dad got to buy Megan an iced coffee to help calm her down.

But the important thing is when a driver utilizes safe driving techniques, like reducing speed and increasing space between vehicles for traffic and weather conditions, it allows the driver an increase reaction time which may allow them to avoid a traffic crash.

Using the center left-turn-only lane

This week, David Buchanan of Brighton sent in a question asking about the proper use of the center "left-turn-only" lanes.

There are two of the main issues regarding center left-turn-only lanes.

One is when drivers drive a significant distance down a left-turn-only lane before making a left turn. The law states a driver can travel a “reasonable” distance in the left-turn-only lane to make a left turn. What is a “reasonable” distance? That depends on the traffic situation and circumstances at the time.

I’ve been told I’m a reasonable person and if I saw a driver traveling more than 100 yards, in a center left-turn-only lane, to make a left turn, I might stop them and ask them why.

The second issue is when drivers use the center left-turn-only lane as a merging lane. This issue is clear cut; it is unlawful to use the center left-turn-only lane for a right turn or as a merge lane when entering the roadway.

Obstruction of view law

Don Rose of Byron had a question regarding items hanging from the rearview mirror and are they considered an “obstruction of view.”

MCL 257.709(1)c states, (1) “A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with any of the following: (c) an object that obstructs the vision of the driver of the vehicle, except as authorized by law.”

The issue of hanging any item that obstructs the vision of a driver is a concern for everyone. Drivers have a duty and responsibility to operate their vehicles as safely as possible and hanging anything to obstruct or distract the driver’s view of traffic compromises that responsibility.

A safe driver not only looks for what is in front of them but all around them. A good driver also uses their vision to scan down the road a quarter to half mile or more to see what traffic situations may be occurring. Placing an object in the line of vision of a driver is never a good idea and it’s against the law.

I remember a traffic safety commercial showing how something as thin as a pencil could obstruct a driver’s vision of a motorcycle or pedestrian. Try it sometime; it can be a real eye opener.

Safety tips, for our K-9 friends

I saw these suggestions on a website for K-9’s who travel:

• Outfit your pets with up-to-date ID tags that include your cell phone number, since you’ll be on the road. If there’s room, consider adding
• that you’ll offer a reward for their safe return, too.
• Bring cleaning supplies, a towel or pet bed, portable bowls, food and water, any medications, a pet first aid kit, and lots of toys.
• To help prevent your pets from getting sick, feed them a couple of hours before you leave, not right before they get in the car.
• Have your pets ride securely in a crate or wear a harness. And, don’t let them ride with their heads out of the window.
• Just like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke — even if it isn't that hot outside or the car windows are left open.

If you have a question, please send it to askatrooper12@gmail.com