I honestly believe that most people consciously make an effort to be safe vehicle operators.

While so many of us are often in a hurry to get where we are going, it is important for us to remember to do some of the basic safe driving practices such as coming to a complete stop at stop signs, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and using a blinker when we are getting ready to make a turn.

In the state of Kansas and about every other state in the nation, unless there are multiple turn lanes from a street, when making a right turn at an intersection, a vehicle is required to approach the intersection in the far right lane and turn into the far right lane.

When making a left turn, the vehicle is required to approach the intersection in the inside turn lane or in the lane that is to the extreme left legally available to the vehicle operator.

When the left-hand turn is made onto a multi-lane road, the vehicle is required to be turned into the left-most lane (inside lane) legally available to traffic.

So at 27th and Vine, for example, two vehicles on 27th street approaching Vine Street from opposite directions, with both drivers having a green light, and both wanting to turn south could simultaneously turn south onto Vine with a green light, if they made the turn in accordance with the law.

Whether it is two vehicles trying to turn onto a multi-lane road at the same time or just one vehicle turning, it is important to follow this traffic law for everyone's safety.

At a four-way stop intersection, the traffic law requires a different approach. If two vehicles approach a four-way stop intersection at the same time from different streets, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield to the driver of the vehicle to the right. Preferential right of way might be indicated with a stop or yield sign, but this is typically at a two-way stop intersection.

Another critical part of making a turn people seem to often forget is the use of their turn signal. A signal of intention to turn or change lanes is required to be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled before making the turn or lane change.

Making proper turns at intersections and providing a turn signal indicating the turn or lane change are required by Kansas statutes and city ordinances.

This attention to proper driving each day can make a significant effect on your own safety and the safety of others. Following these simple rules can also get you where you are headed a little faster while simultaneously helping others on the road.

Please take the responsibility of driving safe seriously. Collectively, we can avoid accidents and keep our travels more safe.

Philip Hartsfield is assistant chief of the Hays Police Department.