Understanding Turning Lane Rules For Safer Driving in Acadiana

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - For some reason, there are some drivers in Acadiana who love to travel long distances in turning lanes, and it is very dangerous.

In recent months, I have noticed that more and more drivers in Lafayette Parish are using turning lanes as passing lanes, which is illegal.

Sure, I know we are all in a hurry these days, but some drivers are putting themselves and others at risk by speeding through left-turning lanes for long distances.

A few days ago, I was with my daughter on Rue Du Belier, and as we approached the intersection with Congress Street, several vehicles used the turning lane as a passing lane to get to the intersection. After I saw the distance they traveled in that turning lane, I got home and researched how far a vehicle can legally travel in a turning lane.

Distance You Can Travel in a Turning Lane

Well, it turns out that the vehicles I saw in the turning lane certainly broke the law because the furthest you are allowed to drive in a turning lane in Louisiana is 200 feet.

According to the Louisiana State Legislature:

- A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet while making a left turn from a highway or when making a U-turn.
- A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet while making a left turn onto a highway and merging into the adjacent lanes of travel.
-A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet to reach a dedicated left-turn lane at an intersection.
- A vehicle in a dedicated left-turn lane at an intersection shall turn at the intersection only as designated by posted pavement marking, signing, or traffic signal

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Safety Guidelines for Using the Turning Lane

Always be on the lookout for oncoming traffic or other vehicles merging into the lane
Always use a signal when in a turning lane
Never use a turning lane as a passing lane to get around slower traffic

I share this reminder with you because we are starting to see way too many people, like some on Apollo Road in Scott, use a turning lane as a passing lane, and this isn't safe for anyone.

For reference, while there is no exact length of a city block in the United States, most range from 300 to 900 feet. Therefore, you legally should not travel beyond one city block while in a turning lane.

I hope that this reminder serves you well, as I have seen some police departments around Acadiana monitoring turning lanes in recent months.

LOOK: 5 Cajun Themed Emojis We Need On Our Phones in Louisiana

A couple of days ago, I wanted to use an emoji in a message that centered around the Cajun culture in Louisiana, and I was reminded that there is no emoji for what I was hoping to use.

After a few more searches for things we do or eat here, I learned that there are very few emojis in our smartphones that depict some of our favorites in South Louisiana.

Sure, we have all the emojis we need for sports, travel, weather, etc., but when it comes to activities and certain foods here in "Cajun Country," we are lacking many. Each year, Apple updates its list of emojis, so perhaps after this post, they may be inclined to add a few that represent Cajun Culture.

Here are a few emojis we need on our phones that represent our lifestyle in South Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Chris Reed