How to Handle Turns While Driving
2 Answers
The following are methods to handle turns: 1. Yield to through traffic; 2. Identify left-turn waiting zones; 3. Check mirrors before turning; 4. Control your speed appropriately; 5. Change lanes in advance; 6. You may borrow lanes when necessary. Below are specific methods for handling various turning situations: 1. Sharp turns on regular roads: The driver should honk the horn 50-100 meters before starting the turn, depending on road conditions, and slow down. When visibility is limited during the turn, quickly move the vehicle to the right side of the road to avoid obstructing other vehicles. 2. Intersection turns: For left turns, signal in advance and stay as close to the center of the road as possible to facilitate traffic behind and right-turning vehicles. For right turns, also signal first, turn slowly, and be mindful of the inner wheel differential to prevent the rear right wheel from leaving the road and hitting pedestrians or obstacles. 3. Turns on snowy, rainy, or muddy roads: Use engine braking to reduce speed in advance and proceed slowly, avoiding sharp steering and sudden braking. When turning uphill, if other vehicles are stuck and blocking the turn due to slipping, pull over to the right and wait until they pass before proceeding. When turning downhill on slippery roads, take precautions to prevent skidding and collisions.
I've been driving for fifteen years and have taken countless turns. My deepest realization is that turning is a whole-body coordination task. At least 50 meters before entering the turn, check the rearview mirror, move your foot from the accelerator to the brake, and reduce the speed to a range you can control. The steering wheel should be like Tai Chi push hands—turn it smoothly and continuously, avoiding sudden jerks. Your eyes are especially crucial; focus early on the exit you're heading toward while keeping the apex of the turn in your peripheral vision. Remember the number of steering wheel rotations, as the timing to straighten it is particularly important. Never slam on the brakes mid-turn, as it can easily lead to loss of control. When exiting the turn, gradually apply the throttle and accelerate only once the car is stable. Older cars have heavier steering wheels, making the feedback more noticeable, and driving with hydraulic power steering actually hones your hand skills.
