When you are the first vehicle at an intersection without a turn light waiting to make a left turn, what should your wheels be doing?

When you are the first vehicle at an intersection without a turn light waiting to make a left turn, keeping your wheels straight while partially in the intersection is the correct approach. This positioning is crucial for several reasons.

Primarily, maintaining your wheels straight helps prevent your vehicle from being pushed into oncoming traffic if you are rear-ended. This is a significant safety consideration, as any sudden impact could cause your vehicle to move forward unintentionally into the path of oncoming vehicles, creating a dangerous situation.

Additionally, having your wheels straight while waiting allows you to better assess oncoming traffic and any potential gaps for turning safely when the light changes or when it is clear to proceed. If your wheels were turned, it would restrict your visibility and make it harder to judge when it is safe to turn.

This approach aligns with defensive driving strategies, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the surrounding traffic conditions and protecting yourself and others in the event of an unexpected situation. Thus, positioning your wheels straight while waiting to turn left enhances both safety and awareness at intersections.