The Most Dangerous Left Turns in Tempe (and What Makes Them So Risky)
It’s one of the most routine moves a driver makes—but also one of the most dangerous: the unprotected left turn.
In Tempe, left-turn accidents account for a significant percentage of intersection crashes, especially at high-traffic corridors like Rural and Guadalupe or McClintock and Baseline. The issue isn’t just poor judgment—it’s design, distraction, and driver psychology.
Left turns force drivers to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic while navigating turn lanes, lights, and pedestrian crossings. And Tempe’s layout doesn’t always make that easy.
Whether you live in South Tempe or commute daily down University Drive, understanding where and why these turns become dangerous can help you avoid a crash—and make a stronger case if one happens.
This article breaks it down. For broader help with liability and compensation, the Tempe car accident legal homepage offers step-by-step legal guidance.
Where Left Turns Go Wrong in Tempe
You can technically make a left turn at dozens of intersections across the city. But a handful see repeated crashes for the same reasons: poor visibility, no left-turn arrow, and impatient traffic.
Here are some of the most problematic intersections for left turns:
Rural Rd & Guadalupe Rd – Long wait times, fast through-traffic, and no protected turn during off-peak hours
Baseline Rd & McClintock Dr – Complex lane arrangements and rear-end risks from drivers braking late in turn lanes
Broadway Rd & Priest Dr – Sudden lane drops and poor lighting at night
Southern Ave & Mill Ave – Near ASU traffic, pedestrian-heavy, and awkward turn radius
What do all of these have in common? Conflicting priorities. Drivers want to turn. Oncoming traffic doesn’t slow down. And pedestrians often enter the crosswalk just as a gap appears.
The result is a perfect storm for T-bone accidents, which are among the most severe crashes in terms of injury.
Left Turns and the Fault Puzzle
In Arizona, fault for a left-turn accident is not automatically assigned to the turning driver—but it often starts there. That’s because under state law, a driver making a left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow.
If you’re turning on a solid green or at a stop sign, and a vehicle coming straight hits you, you’ll need to show:
They were speeding
They ran a light
They were distracted
You had enough room and they closed the gap
That can be hard to prove without video, eyewitnesses, or traffic data. azcourts.gov offers insight into how these liability disputes play out in court—and it usually hinges on evidence.
Why Tempe Left Turns Are Especially Dangerous
1. Speed Differential
Many of Tempe’s arterial roads—like Elliot, Broadway, and University—have posted limits of 40–45 mph. But actual traffic speeds during low congestion can be much higher. That means a driver turning left often underestimates the time they have, especially when judging fast-approaching vehicles.
2. No Dedicated Turn Signal
In several major intersections, especially during off-peak hours, Tempe disables the left-turn arrow to improve flow. That means drivers must rely on gaps in oncoming traffic, which creates pressure and guesswork.
3. Visual Obstruction
Large vehicles in adjacent lanes—SUVs, buses, or trucks—can block a turning driver’s view of oncoming traffic. Combine that with Tempe’s flat terrain and sun glare at certain times of day, and the angle of visibility becomes a legal factor.
4. Increased Pedestrian Crossings
Tempe’s urban layout near ASU and along Mill Avenue creates frequent left-turn/pedestrian conflicts. You may see a gap in traffic—but not notice the person entering the crosswalk until it’s too late. These incidents often lead to secondary liability and complex insurance claims.
More information about traffic layout changes and pedestrian risk factors can be found at tempe.gov.
Distracted Driving + Left Turns = Disaster
Left turns require full attention. But in Tempe, many drivers are navigating turns while distracted—looking at their GPS, texting, or talking on the phone. Even a half-second delay in decision-making can mean turning in front of a moving vehicle.
That’s why so many distracted driving collisions occur in left-turn lanes. The turn feels like a “pause,” and drivers let their guard down.
What If You Were Hit While Making a Left?
If you’re the one turning left, you’re not automatically at fault—but you will need to build a clear case. That means:
Showing the other driver was speeding or distracted
Proving you had a clear gap and turned safely
Documenting road conditions, signage, and light sequences
It’s especially helpful to take photos of the intersection, the turn lanes, and any sight obstructions. Your phone camera can be a powerful tool in showing what you saw at the moment of impact.
Arizona law allows you to recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault, under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule. But your percentage of fault will reduce your payout—so documentation is everything.
How to Protect Yourself in Left-Turn Scenarios
Wait for the arrow, if possible – Even if it means sitting through one more light cycle
Don’t assume the gap is safe – Oncoming drivers may accelerate into the intersection
Watch for pedestrians and bikes – Especially on ASU campus routes and downtown areas
Signal early and position correctly – A slight overhang can expose your front end
Check for multiple lanes of oncoming traffic – One clear lane doesn’t mean the second is safe
Crash Aftermath: What You Need to Know
Whether you're turning left or driving straight through the intersection, a crash means dealing with insurance, medical records, and legal responsibility. If you’re unsure how to start, visit the Tempe legal help center for guidance on documentation, claim timing, and your rights under Arizona law.
Final Thoughts
Tempe’s most dangerous left turns aren’t just about bad drivers—they’re about high speeds, bad visibility, unpredictable traffic, and a city grid that wasn’t built for modern congestion.
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn crash, especially at one of Tempe’s major intersections, take it seriously. These cases involve heavy insurance scrutiny and require strong evidence to resolve fairly.
For more help protecting your rights after a left-turn collision, visit the Tempe car accident attorney site.
