[QUOTE=savethekudzu;6698554]I do this as well, holding open the option for making a hook turn if traffic is too heavy.
(In my case, a "hook turn" means I continue straight across the intersection, stop at the other side, turn 90 degrees to the left, and prepare to proceed straight when the signal allows.)
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I too look at the current traffic conditions when I am deciding how to turn. (I have a left-turn-only lane with an advance green on my last light coming home). Uusally I end up between pulses of traffic fromt he next set of lights down the road, so it is easy to signal, move across the 2 lanes and into the turn lane. Since it is an advance green, I can clear the intersection without worrying about oncoming traffic. If traffic is unusually heavy, however, or the high school right on the corner has just let out and there is a corresponding level of asshattery on the road nearby (cars or peds - I have seen WAY too many of the students just meander casually across the road on a red light), I go straight through, stop at the opposite corner, and position myself in the curb lane to go across at the next light. (At which point I usually have to yell at three or more oblivious kids anyway).