When turning right at an intersection into traffic traveling at 30 MPH, what gap is needed?

When making a right turn at an intersection into traffic that is traveling at 30 MPH, a gap of 8 seconds is typically needed to ensure a safe and smooth maneuver. This duration allows the driver to gauge the speed of oncoming traffic effectively and determine the appropriate timing to complete the turn without interfering with the flow of traffic.

At 30 MPH, a vehicle covers approximately 44 feet every second. Therefore, an 8-second gap equates to around 352 feet of clear space in the traffic lane. This provides sufficient time and distance to accommodate potential variability in traffic speeds and to avoid any potential hazards, promoting a safer driving environment.

A shorter gap, such as 5 or 6 seconds, might not provide adequate time for the oncoming vehicles to pass or for the turning vehicle to safely enter the traffic stream. Similarly, a 10-second gap could be excessive, leading to unnecessary delays in traffic flow, especially in busy intersections. Thus, 8 seconds strikes an optimal balance for safe merging into traffic.