Kääntymiskaista

Kääntymiskaista is a Finnish term that translates to "turning lane" or "turning bay" in English. It refers to a designated lane on a road intended for vehicles that are about to turn left or right at an intersection or junction. The primary purpose of a kääntymiskaista is to improve traffic flow and safety by separating turning vehicles from through traffic.

When approaching an intersection, vehicles intending to turn will move into the kääntymiskaista. This allows vehicles proceeding straight ahead to continue unimpeded. This separation reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions, as through traffic does not have to slow down or stop for turning vehicles. It also helps to prevent congestion, especially in busy intersections where a significant number of vehicles may be turning.

Kääntymiskaistat can vary in length and design depending on the road's speed limit, traffic volume, and the geometry of the intersection. Some may be short, simply extending the width of the intersection, while others can be significantly longer, allowing multiple vehicles to queue up for a turn. In some cases, a kääntymiskaista may be marked with specific road signs and pavement markings to clearly indicate its purpose to drivers. The implementation of kääntymiskaistat is a common traffic engineering practice aimed at optimizing intersection performance and enhancing road safety.