How To Turn

Making proper turns from proper lanes:

Twenty-two percent of all crashes occur when one vehicle is turning left. Most of these would not happen if the driver made the turn properly. Studies have shown that a motorist’s greatest risk of a motor vehicle collision occurs at an intersection. Follow these steps to make a proper left turn:

1. Upon approaching an intersection at which you wish to make a left turn, you must give the proper signal in sufficient time to warn the driver of any vehicle behind you. As you gradually slow down, watch the mirror to see that the driver of the vehicle behind you has understood your signal. If the road is wide enough for you to do so without crossing the centerline, leave room for the following vehicles to pass you on your right. Be sure that no vehicle behind you is trying to pass on your left, and, above all, never pull suddenly to your left from the right-hand lane. If you can’t work your way to the center early enough, go on to the next intersection.
2. As you approach the intersection, position yourself in lane position #2 far enough in advance before your turn.
3. When you reach the intersection, wait until the way is clear. Do not turn your wheels in your intended path of travel until you are clear to make your turn.
4. Both the motor vehicle directly approaching you and the vehicle approaching on your right have the right-of-way.
5. When the road is clear, make your turn at the proper speed and keep to the right of the center of the roadway. After turning into a four-lane road, keep driving in the center lane until you can change to the right lane without getting in the way of other vehicles.
6. Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the street.
7. Cancel your directional.

Lane positioning for a right/left turn:

Follow these steps to make a proper right turn:

1. When you wish to make a right turn, you must first give the proper signal in sufficient time to warn the driver of any vehicle behind you.
2. Right turns must be taken from the extreme right-hand side of the road.
3. Do not develop the dangerous habit of swinging to the left before turning right. This is likely to make the driver of the vehicle following you assume you are going to turn left.
4. When you reach the intersection, wait until the way is clear. Do not turn your wheels in your intended path of travel until you are clear to make your turn.
5. The motor vehicle directly approaching you has the right-of-way.
6. When the road is clear, make your turn at the proper speed and keep to the right of the roadway.
7. Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the street.
8. Cancel your directional.

The Basics of making a turn:

“A” Approach the turn; plan your path through the turn.

“B” Brake prior to the turn to reduce speed to a safe level.

“C” Continue into the first half of the turn, covering the brake (gentle pressure on the brake pedal) in case the need to apply the brakes arises.

“D” Drive out of the turn by accelerating at a safe, comfortable rate of speed.

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