Beginner
drivers best stop before turning, unless, of course turning from a
priority road and/or the give way rules are 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 use the 20/20/2 formula: brake smoothly so that 20
meters
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 (especially 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.
|
This
picture shows how NOT to approach a right-hand turn!
|
 |
Right
turns: Position the vehicle parallel to the kerb
as you approach your turn. You are less of a problem to
traffic behind.
|
|
Below
and above: INCORRECT positioning of turning vehicles |
|
This
picture shows how NOT to approach a left-hand turn
|
|
Left-turns:
Position towards right of
center position to not be blocking traffic behind.
Keep the car
and wheels straight! This is
important whenever facing oncoming traffic. Should you get hit from
behind (the van) you will not get thrown into oncoming traffic. |
When
turning right, usually turn your steering wheel slowly right, and return
it swiftly, just before your vehicle has completed the turn.
For left
turns it's the opposite: Turn the steering wheel swiftly left. Start to
return it slowly, well before the vehicle has completed the turn, approx.
half-way around the corner. Continue in a straight path.
In order to avoid 'cutting a corner' (left turn only) do not turn the steering wheel,
until your can see up the footpath of the road you are entering!
Otherwise, by cutting the corner you risks a collision with traffic
approaching the junction or intersection you are entering.
Cutting
the corner is driving on the wrong
side of the road
