1.6 CORNERS  - The  20/20/2 - 10/10/1 System

This chapter deals with suburban corners, normally right angle turns, not driving through bends as described in ‘Country driving’.

Before explaining what the figures mean, let’s refresh our knowledge of the System of Car Control:

After deciding which way to turn, right or left, check mirrors, indicate and brake to the correct speed. Beginner drivers have no concept of how fast this is. Either they approach too fast, giving the instructing person a fright or they stop far too short of the junction or intersection to gain a clear view.

The correct speed depends on the following factors:

• The driver’s experience - beginners must approach far slower than a learner about to take the test.
  
  

• Visibility - how far into the side road can you see?
  
  

• Give-Way rules - when facing a give way sign or approaching from the stem of a T-junction, drive much slower. Look for pedestrians in the vicinity.
  
  

• Left or right turn - a left turn involves giving way to traffic from one direction only.
  
  

• The vehicle - allow time for gear changing in a manual vehicle.

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Beginners should stop before turning, unless the give way rule is in their favour. This is especially vital for turns out of junctions and/or there is no view into the side road.

After a few lessons try using the 20/20/2 formula: brake smoothly so that 20 metres before any corner you reach 20 km/h speed. At this stage decide, if you can maintain speed, considering above factors.

If yes - change to 2nd gear. This should be completed (clutch off the floor) before the corner, turn the steering wheel and gently accelerate out of the corner. Braking may be in order, even while still gear changing (downhill).

If no - clutch down and keep reducing speed so that 10 meters before the junction your speed is 10 km/h. While rolling (keep momentum with foot on or over brake) change to 1st gear. When a view is obtained and it is clear, withdraw clutch and gently accelerate around the corner. (Do not apply this approach at a STOP sign!)

In an automatic vehicle the approach is almost identical, except there’s no gear to change. Keep your foot on or over the brake, ready to stop, until a clear view is obtained.

In general terms:

Use the 20/20/2 rule (turn in second gear) when entering a side road or when give way rules are in your favour, unless speed is very slow.

Use the 10/10/1 rule (slow or stop, apply first gear) when exiting a junction or when you may have to give way, unless the speed allows second gear. Third gear is seldom used for turning corners in cities, towns or suburbs.

	Left turns:  Position the vehicle parallel to the kerb on the approach. You are less of a problem to traffic behind. Turn the steering wheel slowly left. Just before completing the corner, turn the wheel briskly to the right to straighten out. The pictures show how NOT to approach a turn!
Right turns:  Position towards left of centre position to enable traffic behind to overtake on the left. Keep the car and wheels straight. This is important whenever facing oncoming traffic. Should you get hit from behind, you will not get thrown into oncoming traffic.

When turning right start to turn the steering wheel only when you are looking up the footpath of the road you are entering. You may otherwise ‘cut’ the corner, and collide with traffic approaching the junction or intersection. Aim for the centre of the side road, towards left of centre, then move over to the normal (left hand side) position.