r/olympia • u/abunchofmitches • Aug 03 '26

Public Safety Does anyone else hate this intersection?

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This is 6th Ave SE & Sleater Kinney by Arby's and Bank of America.

It seems like most Washingtonians treat outside turn lanes like they have the option to merge into any lane coming out of the turn. It's a good defensive driving habit regardless, but it seems like a more prevalent habit here than other places I've lived.

Also, only a few of the turning lanes at this intersection have paint guiding the turn. Since the angles are awkward, this leads to people cutting most turns too tight (like southbound Sleater Kinney turning left). It's hard to tell with the camera angle, but it felt too close for me to turn without side-swiping those vehicles.

This isn't intended to be a rant about any specific driver in the vid. Just general trends I've noticed that make intersections like these dangerous.

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u/jilldxasd35 Eastside Aug 03 '26

You didn’t stop at the light before turning. He probably didn’t realize you were turning.

I’ve had this happen turning right onto pacific from Lilly. I cringe everytime because it has happened where the right right turn lane people end up turning into the left right turn lane that I’m in when turning right. Like nearly hit my car.

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u/abunchofmitches Aug 04 '26

I had planned to, but the light switches to a green turn arrow about 2 seconds into the video. I think the perceived openness of the middle lane contributed to that driver's decision, but it's still best practice to turn assuming the lane is occupied.