Question: What is the rule about turning right at a red light if there is a bicycle in a bicycle lane next to you?
Answer: This is an excellent question. In the bicycle lanes that I have seen, they usually end before the intersection to allow for the right turn on red. If you are in a situation like this, signal your intention to turn right, make eye contact with the bicycle rider to let him or her know your intention, and then make your turn. Don't try to hurry the movement or try to make it just as the light turns green. Thank you for being aware of the bicycles around you.
Q: When waiting to turn left, are drivers allowed to pull into the intersection while the light is green and wait until there is a break in oncoming traffic to make the turn? In Seattle, many intersections only have enough time for cars to make it through breaks in traffic right after the light turns yellow, meaning several cars will wait in the intersection. Of course with red light cameras, drivers are eager to clear the intersection more quickly and may be less inclined to pull into the intersection. What is Bellingham Police Department's policy on pulling up in the intersection when turning left?
A: Last question first: as far as I know, Bellingham PD doesn't have a policy for this issue. State law says you cannot block the intersection. Another portion of state law says you may not pull into the intersection unless you can clear the intersection. Many crashes occur when a left-turning vehicle (after waiting for that yellow light) assumes the vehicle approaching will stop for the yellow light (who is trying to beat the red) and a crash occurs in the intersection. The turning vehicle gets the infraction. I find it easier to wait behind the crosswalk, so the light sensor still "knows"" there is a vehicle there, until I see the break in traffic. I have always been able to make a safe turn; sometimes you just have to be patient.
Q: What are the rules about cars on the freeway moving over or slowing down in order for cars on the on-ramp to merge onto the freeway?
A: It is the responsibility of the driver merging from the on-ramp to do so safely. You do not have to pull over or change speed as a driver on the freeway. Avoiding crashes has always been my goal while driving, and I have found that a little courtesy between drivers tends to keep traffic flowing more smoothly. You may be correct in how you drive, but you may still end up with a car in the body shop.
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