How to Judge Turning Distance?

[AaronLee]

There are two methods to judge the distance between the right front corner of the car and obstacles when turning: 1. Except in cities and highways, to judge the distance between the right wheel and the roadside, look diagonally through the midline of the car head. If this midline has reached the roadside line, it means the right wheel is at least 30 centimeters away from the roadside line. Exceeding this range may mean going over the line. 2. To judge the distance from the right side to an obstacle (such as a pedestrian), look out from the right side of the car head. If you can see a very low position, it means you are still far from the obstacle. If you can only see a high position (such as above the knees of a pedestrian), it means you are very close to the obstacle.

[CamillaDella]

As someone who commutes by car every day, I believe judging turning distances mainly comes from accumulated experience and careful observation. You need to slow down before entering the turn, keep your eyes fixed on the direction you're turning toward, and find a reference point at the intersection—like a road sign or light pole—as the starting point to begin steering. I often practice this when driving in the city: control your speed, don't go too fast, or the car may drift off the road, but don't go too slow either, as it disrupts traffic flow. Vehicle size also matters—small cars are more agile, while larger vehicles like SUVs require more space and earlier steering input. In bad weather, like slippery rain or fog with poor visibility, I slow down even more and maintain twice the usual following distance for safety. Repeatedly driving the same route helps develop instinct, making distance judgment naturally accurate.

[OElliot]

It's quite a headache for beginners just getting behind the wheel. I remember my instructor's method: before turning, identify a fixed reference point, such as a parking line or marker on the street, as a signal to act. Keep the speed under control, preferably below 30 km/h for a safe turn, and continuously scan the rearview mirrors and blind spots during the turn to ensure there are no pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. Mobile navigation can also help by displaying the curve angle in advance, but it's still more about relying on visual perception. Practicing simulated turns multiple times in residential areas or empty roads will gradually help you get the hang of it, avoiding scratches or sudden brakes.

[LeAva]

The safe turning distance depends on the environment and vehicle speed. Reducing speed is key, ensuring the turning radius matches the road curvature. Observe road conditions, as sharp turns require more clearance, and vehicle types like long trucks need extra space compared to shorter vehicles. Increase buffer distance in adverse weather conditions like snow to prevent loss of control. Regular maintenance ensures brakes and tires function properly, avoiding sudden failures.