Scholar Highlights Fatality Rate of Motorcycle Left-Turn Accidents, Calls for Road Classification and Protected Phases

(Central News Agency, reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, 11th) To reduce accidents, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) will promote measures to improve motorcycle left-turn safety. A scholar stated today that the fatality rate for left-turn accidents is more than double that of right turns, making it inappropriate to directly discuss a full opening of direct left turns. Instead, the focus should be on road classification, speed management, and the installation of protected left-turn phases.

Recent academic research indicating a decrease in traffic accidents in Tainan City's administrative districts that piloted the cancellation of mandatory two-stage left turns has sparked discussion in academia and public opinion on the topic of "canceling mandatory two-stage left turns for motorcycles."

Professor Wu Kun-feng from the Department of Transportation and Logistics Management at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University stated in a media interview today that motorcycles are one of the main vehicle types in Taiwan and need to be taken seriously. He mentioned that many dangers at intersections occur during left and right turns, and he calculated that the fatality rate for left-turn accidents is more than double that of right turns.

He also mentioned research on accidents involving college students, which found that many students were hit by left-turning vehicles while going straight through intersections, indicating that even when going straight, they are under threat from left-turning vehicles.

Professor Wu stated that research has found that because most land in Taiwan is mixed-use and there are many short street blocks, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles all need to make left turns. However, when turning left, they face the danger of colliding with oncoming through traffic.

Professor Wu pointed out that the prerequisite for discussing direct left turns for motorcycles should be the presence of a protected left-turn mechanism, and consideration should be given to how to provide more protected left-turn phases at Taiwan's intersections, especially on major arterial roads.

Professor Wu believes that roads should be classified and categorized. Major and secondary arterial roads should be widely equipped with protected left-turn phases, while for alleys and neighborhood roads, the management focus should be on parking and speed.

However, Professor Wu admitted that the current design of two-stage left turns for motorcycles can indeed lead to conflicts with right-turning traffic and insufficient space in waiting zones. When riding in the outer lane, motorcyclists may also be disturbed by vehicles parked illegally on the roadside. However, these issues can be improved through better design.

To enhance motorcycle safety, reduce motorcycle accident rates, and decrease casualties, the MOTC announced yesterday the comprehensive promotion of "Motorcycle Left-Turn Safety Improvement Measures." It will work with county and city governments to gradually guide motorcycles to turn left safely at intersections where conditions permit and where left-turn lanes and protected phases are installed. At intersections with complex environments, high speeds, or without signal protection, two-stage left turns will be maintained for safety. Simultaneously, the MOTC will improve the traffic flow in waiting zones and clear illegal roadside parking to completely eliminate road users' concerns that "waiting becomes a waiting for a crash." (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150611