How to Navigate Unusual Traffic Patterns and Intersections

As drivers hit the road this year—whether for family vacations, road trips or daily commutes—they’re increasingly encountering traffic designs that may seem unusual, but are intentionally engineered to improve safety and traffic flow. From Michigan lefts to jughandles to reduced conflict U-turns, these configurations often leave drivers unsure of what to do.

But many of these designs share a common goal: reducing the riskiest movements at intersections.

“One of the most dangerous things drivers do is turn left across traffic,” says Mike Belcuore, manager of driver education and operations for AAA. “These designs eliminate that and replace it with safer, more predictable movements.”

That safety benefit only works, however, when drivers recognize what’s ahead.

“The most common mistake is not paying attention to the road signs leading up to the intersection,” Belcuore says. “Drivers get there and then don’t know what to do because they don’t watch the signs.”

Even when traffic designs feel unfamiliar, the safest response is often the simplest one.

“Slow down, read the signs and take in what’s happening around you,” Belcuore says. “There’s no need to rush through any of these.”

Here’s a road map to some of the country’s most puzzling traffic configurations and how to approach them with confidence.

Single-point urban interchange (SPUI)

What it is

Rather than using multiple intersections, a single-point urban interchange—often found near busy highway exits—relies on one central signalvto control all ramp and cross-street traffic.

Why it’s challenging

Many movements happen at the same time—which can feel chaotic, especially the first time through.

How to approach it

Choose your lane early, watch the signal closely, and move through the intersection steadily when directed.

Jughandles

What it is

Common in New Jersey, jughandles replace traditional left turns with a right-side ramp that loops drivers onto the cross street or into a U-turn.

Why it’s challenging

Drivers must move right to go left—often earlier than expected.

How to approach it

Watch for advance signage and move into the right lane early—even when your destination is to the left.

Michigan left

What it is

A Michigan left—named for its origin in Michigan in the 1960s—eliminates direct left turns at busy intersections. Drivers go straight or turn right, then make a U-turn at a median crossover.

Why it’s challenging

Some crossovers appear wide enough for two vehicles but are often single-lane, with extra space reserved for large trucks.

How to approach it

Follow pavement markings, avoid pulling alongside other vehicles, and confirm the crossover is clear before completing the U-turn.

Reduced conflict U-turn (RCUT)

What it is

Also known in some states as a superstreet, an RCUT requires drivers to turn right from a side street, then make a U-turn at a nearby median crossover.

Why it’s challenging

The extra step can feel inconvenient—or even counterintuitive at first.

How to approach it

Expect the brief detour and follow posted signs; most drivers complete the maneuver quickly, often in under a minute.

Zipper merge

What it is

A zipper merge encourages drivers to use both lanes fully until one ends, then merge alternately.

Why it’s challenging

Many drivers merge too early, which can create unnecessary slowdowns.

How to approach it

Stay in your lane until it ends, signal, and merge at the lane closure when it’s your turn.