Opinions wanted....are these trees blocking the view of opposing traffic?

[Baz]

Our city just put in some new landscaping along this main route. It's a 4 lane divided and extremely busy roadway that connects the mainland to the barrier island.

This intersection allows motorists (who turn left here) to travel north along 1 of the 2 busiest north-south routes on the island.

In other words....busy intersection on a busy route.

I use this intersection every day going both directions on both routes.

There is a left turn signal but it turns to a blinking left turn signal after a short period so you are allowed to make left turns....with opposing traffic coming at you.

Speed limit is 45.

There is a curve present so visibility is a dynamic.

So - to the point of my post.....in my opinion those first 2 Ligustrum Trees they just installed block the vision of any motorists making a left turn here...in particular of vehicles at speed approaching this intersection. Keep in mind...there are 2 lanes to cross while making the left and it's an off camber turn,as well.

Interested in your thoughts...TIA!





I used my zoom on this shot but the views shown above are more true to how you are seeing things....

[Joe Bob]

Hell yes...when they grow some more it will just get worse. Take a video with your dash cam, send it to the local TV station and let them run it.

[kevin930t]

In my opinion that would definitely block the view of on comming traffic.

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[MBAtarga]

Chain saw would take car of those....

[stomachmonkey]

Yes.

They've been doing similar stuff all up and down the main drags around here.

It looks pretty but it's not safe.

Our intersections are additionally compounded by the turning lane offsets. Meaning if you are in a left turn lane the only thing you can see is the first car in the opposite left turn lane. Forget about what's coming up in the through lanes.

This area of TX has some of the most f'd up unsafe roads I've ever seen.

We have a bunch around here that just stop and do a full lane swap for no reason whatsoever.

It always looks like they were building and realized they did not have the easement and just stopped. I could see it happening once or twice but they are everywhere here.

[dan88911]

I agree Baz.
We have similar issues in my neck of the woods.
If it's not the city planers that seem to lack insight as it relates to driving then it's the neighborhood beautification groups.
They like to install big planter boxes blocking the view of on coming traffic.

[Neilk]

Quick question though, and something that I do not understand, when you get the blinking left turn arrow, do you stay behind the line, or do you move to the center of the intersection?

I alway get annoyed when people stay behind the line, those 10- 15 feet can make a big difference when you are trying to turn left, plus get you a better view.

[ckissick]

Yes. I draw road plans for my job and have to consider lines of sight. That is no longer up to code.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Quick question though, and something that I do not understand, when you get the blinking left turn arrow, do you stay behind the line, or do you move to the center of the intersection?

I alway get annoyed when people stay behind the line, those 10- 15 feet can make a big difference when you are trying to turn left, plus get you a better view.

First thing I noticed people did not do when I moved to TX.

Asked a cop one day, he said you are not allowed to enter the intersection until you know it's clear to cross.

They can write you up for it.

[ckelly78z]

While I do believe that they block the view right now, I wonder if they could trim up both trees (especially the front tree that appears to have limbs near the ground). ......although it looks more like a bush, than a tree.

[Baz]

Thanks everyone for your input. Your answers reflect how I see it too.

Those new trees have essentially created blind spots for any vehicles turning at that intersection. I will probably send the local safety officials a note with my thoughts. That whole corridor is controlled by DOT and I have a buddy who works for them so he'd probably have the right person to contact. Copy to the city manager and mayor, of course as well.

This isn't a big deal but if I never spoke up and an accident occurred (especially with a dog getting hurt in the process ) - I would feel terrible.

To answer your question, Neil...I always pull to the middle of the intersection as long as I'm the lead vehicle. In this case though...you'd be playing peek-a-boo between those trees to see if anything was coming. Not good.

Will keep everyone posted. Thanks, again for your input!

[rusnak]

Those trees look thirsty. Try some Prestone.

[Holger]

I dont see a problem, you have to be careful anyway.
And you CAN see the cars approaching.
All the people just have to let their 500HP V8 Cummins do the work.

Nobody would even think about this being a problem over here.

[Scott Douglas]

Is there some law that says you have to turn left on anything other than a green left turn arrow?

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Those trees look thirsty. Try some Prestone.

I tried that once. Just killed the grass around the base of the tree. But for a young tree like those, mebbe it would work.

To the OP's question: if the speed limit's 45, many people are going to be doing 60. That's multiple fatalities waiting to happen.

[Steve Carlton]

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Those trees look thirsty. Try some Prestone.

Old gardner my parents knew said to use diesel...

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

First thing I noticed people did not do when I moved to TX.

Asked a cop one day, he said you are not allowed to enter the intersection until you know it's clear to cross.

They can write you up for it.

Well I HAD to Google that to see if it is true, and I found the following linkthat sites the state code

Texas Transportation Code § 545.101. Turning at Intersection
Search Texas Statutes


(a) To make a right turn at an intersection, an operator shall make both the approach and the turn as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(b) To make a left turn at an intersection, an operator shall:

(1) approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to a vehicle moving in the direction of the vehicle;  and

(2) after entering the intersection, turn left, leaving the intersection so as to arrive in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle on the roadway being entered.

(c) On a street or roadway designated for two-way traffic, the operator turning left shall, to the extent practicable, turn in the portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

(d) To turn left, an operator who is approaching an intersection having a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted from a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted shall make the turn as closely as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(e) The Texas Transportation Commission or a local authority, with respect to a highway in its jurisdiction, may:

(1) authorize the placement of an official traffic-control device in or adjacent to an intersection;  and

(2) require a course different from that specified in this section for movement by vehicles turning at an intersection.


So it looks like you can enter the intersection, unless there is another rule contradicting it.

In any case, I certainly wouldn't want to be turning left on a street with limited sight lines where people are going 50+.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Those trees look thirsty. Try some Prestone.

Prestone antifreeze?