kääntymiskaistat

Kääntymiskaistat, meaning turning lanes in Finnish, are designated traffic lanes designed to facilitate safe and efficient vehicle turning movements at intersections. They are typically found on roads with significant turning traffic, particularly at busy junctions where vehicles turning left or right might otherwise impede the flow of through traffic or create hazardous situations.

The primary purpose of a kääntymiskaista is to separate vehicles intending to turn from those proceeding straight through the intersection. This separation reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and conflicts with oncoming traffic. By providing a dedicated space for turning vehicles, it also improves traffic flow by allowing through traffic to continue unimpeded.

Kääntymiskaistat are often marked with specific road signs and pavement markings. These markings can include arrows indicating the permitted direction of travel for that lane, such as a left-turn arrow or a right-turn arrow. In some cases, a lane may be designated for both straight and turning movements, indicated by a combination of arrows.

The length and design of kääntymiskaistat vary depending on the road's speed limit, the volume of turning traffic, and the geometry of the intersection. Longer turning lanes are generally provided on higher-speed roads or at intersections with substantial turning volumes to allow vehicles ample space to decelerate and complete their turns safely. Effective use of kääntymiskaistat is crucial for road safety and traffic efficiency.