PHOENIX - The term "suicide lane" doesn't exactly conjure an image of safety.
And it shouldn't -- the reverse lanes on 7th Avenue and 7th Street in Phoenix can be hazardous to navigate if you aren't well versed in the rules of those roads.
Heck, even if you know exactly what you're doing, driving in the reverse lanes is somewhat unnerving, with cars whizzing past in the opposite direction just feet away with no barrier.
Here are the rules, as clearly displayed on the signs above the lane:
-6-9 a.m.: Southbound traffic can use the lane
-4-6 p.m.: Northbound traffic can use the lane
-At all other times, the lane is for left turns
The lanes cannot be used for left turns onto most streets, but they can be used for left turns into driveways and parking lots, according to the city of Phoenix's website.
The site does not address turning left from a regular lane while the reverse lane is occupied by cars going the opposite way, but we'd say it's safer to head forward until you have a turn lane and come back to the spot you want.
