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Difficulty: HardMotorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles

You are driving a passenger car and approaching an intersection to turn left across oncoming traffic. An oncoming motorcycle is approaching the intersection with its left turn signal flashing. Which of the following actions should you take before initiating your turn?

  1. Wait until the motorcyclist actually begins the turn or passes through the intersection before proceeding.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed with your left turn immediately, assuming the solid green circular light grants right-of-way over turning oncoming traffic.
  3. C
    Accelerate briskly into the intersection to complete the turn prior to the motorcycle reaching the crossing area.
  4. D
    Flash your high-beam headlights to instruct the oncoming motorcyclist to stop and yield right-of-way.

Answer

Wait until the motorcyclist actually begins the turn or passes through the intersection before proceeding.
The correct action is to wait until the motorcyclist actually begins executing the turn or passes safely through the intersection. Because motorcycle turn signals are often manually operated and do not automatically shut off after a turn, riders frequently travel with activated signals unintentionally.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the traffic context and hazard.
You are making an unprotected left turn across oncoming traffic while an oncoming motorcycle displays a lit left turn signal.
Unprotected left turns require yielding right-of-way to all oncoming vehicles that present an immediate hazard.
2
Evaluate motorcycle-specific mechanical and behavioral traits.
Unlike most passenger cars, many motorcycle turn signals do not automatically cancel after completing a turn, leading riders to accidentally leave them flashing.
Relying on a motorcycle's turn signal indicator alone can lead to severe right-of-way broadside collisions.
3
Select the proper defensive driving maneuver.
Hold your position with wheels pointed straight until the rider either completes the turn or clears the intersection.
Ensures complete visual confirmation of the motorcycle's intended path before crossing oncoming lanes.

Key Concept

Motorcycle Turn Signal Ambiguity and Left-Turn Safety
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Topics

Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles

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