What are the precautions for making a U-turn at an intersection while driving?
4 Answers
Precautions for making a U-turn at an intersection while driving include: 1. Pay attention to whether U-turns are allowed at the intersection; 2. Check for oncoming traffic; 3. On wider roads, try to make a large detour and complete the U-turn in one smooth maneuver. Intersections where U-turns are not allowed include: 1. Places with no U-turn signs; 2. When driving on a one-way road; 3. Check the road guidance markings—if only a straight arrow is marked on the left side; 4. Intersections where the center of the road has a solid yellow line. Intersections where U-turns are allowed include: 1. Intersections with U-turn indication signs; 2. Intersections without explicit no U-turn or no left-turn signs; 3. Areas with yellow grid lines.
When I first started driving, I always felt nervous making U-turns at intersections and had to gradually get familiar with the rules. First, check if there’s a U-turn sign or traffic light at the intersection—don’t attempt it where it’s prohibited. Always stop at red lights, and even when the light turns green, wait a second or two to observe your surroundings. Look left and right, especially in blind spots, where electric scooters or pedestrians might be hiding. I once nearly had a scrape because I didn’t look carefully. Keep your speed between 10-20 km/h, take the turn slowly, and avoid sharp maneuvers for better stability. On rainy or foggy days with poor visibility, turn on your headlights and slow down—only proceed when you have a clear view. During rush hour when traffic is heavy, I detour to avoid congestion and unnecessary competition. Make it a habit to use your turn signals early to alert others of your intentions and prevent impatience. Rules are lifesavers—wait patiently for a safe opportunity, and with practice, new drivers will get the hang of it.
After driving for over a decade, I've summarized my U-turn insights: First, never ignore traffic signals and signs—green lights indicate safe windows. After confirming a U-turn is permissible, observe all directions, including adjacent lanes and mirrors, with extra caution for motorcycles in blind spots that often dart out unexpectedly. Speed control is crucial—turning above 30km/h is risky, while 10-15km/h ensures stability without skidding. In bad weather like heavy rain or snow, reduce speed and increase spacing, as poor visibility heightens risks. During peak hours with heavy traffic, I opt for quieter intersections to avoid congestion and impatience. Using turn signals is a good habit to communicate intentions. Regularly check brakes and tires to prevent critical failures. Safety first—strict adherence to rules is non-negotiable.
I believe the core steps for a U-turn are: check the traffic signal and only proceed when it's green; never attempt if there's a no U-turn sign. Observation must be thorough - check all lanes front, back, left, right plus turn your head for blind spots to ensure no pedestrians or vehicles are approaching. Slow down your speed, keeping it under 20km/h is optimal. Be extra cautious in bad weather and use turn signals for assistance. Following rules ensures safety.
