Why is there no right-turn waiting gesture?
4 Answers
There is no right-turn waiting gesture because domestic traffic drives on the right side, so right turns do not affect traffic order and do not require a right-turn waiting gesture. Relevant information is introduced as follows: 1. Reduce waiting time: The left-turn waiting zone at intersections can effectively reduce the waiting time for left-turning vehicles, as right-turning vehicles can turn at any time without hindering the normal flow of other vehicles, so no waiting zone is needed. 2. Waiting for release: The left-turn waiting zone can increase the capacity of left-turn lanes, reduce the waiting time for vehicles to turn left through the intersection, effectively improve the traffic flow at the intersection, reduce vehicle congestion, and alleviate urban traffic congestion. When the straight green light is on, left-turning vehicles can enter the "left-turn waiting zone" to wait for the release signal. When both the straight and left-turn signals are red, vehicles must not enter the "left-turn waiting zone" and must wait at the stop line; otherwise, it is considered running a red light.
After driving for so many years, I've noticed that traffic designs have dedicated left-turn waiting zones, but there's no similar arrangement like hand signals or special signals for right turns. The main reason lies in safety considerations—right turns can usually be made directly when the light turns green, without the need for vehicles to stop and wait for a signal, as long as it's clear of pedestrians and other vehicles. Left turns are more complicated because they require crossing oncoming traffic lanes, increasing the risk of collisions, hence the waiting zone allows cars to prepare at the intersection first, reducing risks. Right turns are relatively simpler, with a more straightforward path and smoother merging into traffic, posing fewer interference points. On the roads, many intersections also have dedicated right-turn lanes, allowing vehicles to make the turn efficiently in one smooth motion. This design is common worldwide, and in urban driving, I've gotten used to right turns being more straightforward than left turns. Adding waiting signals for right turns would actually cause more congestion, making intersections even more crowded. While driving, I always remind myself that right turns are free but require extra vigilance. In short, these rules are quite reasonable, helping to avoid accidents and save time.
Buddy, when it comes to right turns while driving, there's no such thing as a 'waiting turn' gesture—that's exclusively for left turns. The logic is simple: most right turns are handled directly under a green light; just turn the wheel and glide into the intersection without any hassle. The waiting zone for left turns is there for signal coordination—allowing cars to position themselves in advance during a red light and move out quickly once it turns green. Traffic authorities designed it this way for efficiency. Right-turn lanes are inherently smooth-flowing, so there's no need for complex signals that could further congest the road network. During my daily commute, right turns are always smoother than left turns—just a tap on the accelerator and you're done. Sure, some major intersections have arrow signals directing right turns, but those are exceptions. Overall, the design is brilliant. I've studied plenty of maps and traffic simulations—it saves time and reduces accidents. Forcing a waiting zone for right turns would only slow down traffic flow, making it redundant. After driving for years, I've naturally come to understand this logic.
From the perspective of traffic regulations, why is there no dedicated right-turn waiting signal? Because in most traffic systems, right turns are designed as a standard operation during a green light, allowing drivers to proceed directly when safe without requiring an additional waiting signal. This differs from left turns, which involve higher conflict risks such as opposing traffic flows, thus warranting dedicated left-turn waiting zones to optimize safety and efficiency. International standards, such as those in China or the U.S., follow this principle: right turns have a straighter path with fewer conflicts, enabling smoother entry into the target lane. In my daily driving experience, right turns only require slowing down and observing, unlike left turns that demand precise control. This rule simplifies intersection flow and prevents congestion. Essentially, traffic authorities prioritize balancing overall traffic flow to ensure smooth operations.
