California Private Investigator Practice Exam

If you lose sight of a subject after a stoplight during vehicle surveillance, what direction is the subject most likely to turn?

1. Left turns

2. Right turns

3. U-turns

4. They will not turn at all

The correct answer is: Right turns

When conducting vehicle surveillance and losing sight of a subject after a stoplight, the direction the subject is most likely to turn is to the right. This is largely due to traffic patterns and road designs in many urban areas where intersections are structured. Most intersections prioritize right turns, making them a common choice for drivers, particularly in busy neighborhoods or at major intersections. Additionally, in many cases, turning right allows for a quicker exit from the intersection, reducing the chances of being caught in traffic. Drivers often prefer to make quick maneuvers to advance their journey rather than waiting too long or making more complex turns, such as left turns or U-turns. Left turns frequently involve navigating across oncoming traffic, making them less attractive when a simple right turn is available. While U-turns and not turning at all are options, they are less prevalent in comparison to right turns in the context of rapidly changing traffic scenarios. Hence, if the subject is lost after the stoplight, the most anticipated and logical maneuver would indeed be a right turn.