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(WWJ) If you thought there were two lanes to pick from when making a Michigan left, Michigan State Police say you thought wrong.
On "Drive Right Wednesday" State Police are out with another driving tip — one that might be a bit controversial.
State Police with the Metro North Post in metro Detroit say the biggest question they always get is: "How many lanes are in a Michigan left?"
The answer, police say, is that is unless otherwise marked (which in most cases it is not) there is only one lane.
This means when you pull around to make the left, you should pull behind any vehicle that's already waiting there. And there should not be anyone next to you while you're waiting to turn.
While there is typically room for two vehicles, MSP says there is not an "outside lane" and an "inside line."
Rather, the width is meant to allow large trucks to make the turn safely.
"With this in mind, watch that horn," MSP urges drivers. "The car in front of you might be waiting for the light to change and go straight instead of turning. Also, if you are not going to turn at the intersection stay to the lane closest to the median."
For those reading this from outside the Great Lakes state, a Michigan left is a somewhat unique intersection design that replaces each left turn at an intersection between a major divided roadway and a secondary roadway with the combination of a right turn followed by a U-turn, or a U-turn followed by a right turn, depending on the situation.
Studies have shown this type of intersection can reduce the risk of crashes, especially left-turn collisions, also allowing enhanced safety for pedestrians crossing either street at the intersection.