In 2023, there have been over 1,300 car crashes in Illinois alone. It's easy to assume that most of those crashes happen along highways, interstates, and main thoroughfares in cities in towns. The causes of those accidents are hard to find but I'm sure a few of them include people not using the center turning lane incorrectly.

I feel like I should publish this article every single day. I know it seems like I'm picking on Illinois in the headline, but Iowa, you're just as terrible if not worse at "using" the center turning lane.

It's time for your driving lesson today because lately, it's been obvious that you and your fellow motorists need one. If you can't use the center turning lane then you need to turn in your driver's license immediately.

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Learn To Use The Center Turning Lane Or Get Off The Road

Let me apologize for the hostility real quick. I have road rage but that's because people can't drive.

Whether it's Illinois or Iowa, I've seen many people not know how to use the center turning lane. Some people call it the center left-turn lane, others call it the center turn lane, a turning lane, I call it the "suicide lane" for some reason (thanks, Dad), but we all know the one I'm talking about.

It's there for a reason. That reason, in case you didn't know, is to NOT block traffic while you are turning. This center turning lane allows you to get out of the way of the traffic behind you traveling in the same direction.

How To Use The Center Left-Turn Lane

While on the Iowa side, the one that we seem to not be able to figure out the most is the center turning lane in front of the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on Locust Street.

Ahead of MVF 2023 and just for everyday use, here are step-by-step instructions to properly use the center left-turn lane so you don't get rear-ended, a middle finger, or clog traffic:

1. When you want to take a left, simply use your blinker to signal to other drivers that you are entering the turn lane.
2. Enter the turning lane and wait for oncoming traffic to pass you.
3. Turn the steering wheel to the left, hit the gas, and go.

• You can use the Center Left-Turn Lane to turn into and wait for oncoming traffic. See the instructional video at the end to know what I'm referring to.

This is exactly what you shouldn't do when "using" the center turning lane:

• If you have to turn left with a Center Left-Turn Lane, DO NOT sit there like an idiot and clog up the lane(s) being used for continuous traffic.
• The Center Left-Turn Lane is NOT meant for passing. It's meant for turning, hence the word 'turn' in it.
• DO NOT park there. You can't just park in the middle of the road.

Instructional Video To Use The Center Left Turn Lane

Oh, would you look at that? An instructional video in case you don't like reading words. How nice of me to include this!

Thanks for coming to my driving lesson. If you're using the center turning lane, use your blinker and get in the lane.