What should be paid attention to when making a U-turn while driving?
4 Answers
When making a U-turn while driving, the following points should be noted: 1. Check if the intersection allows U-turns; 2. Observe whether there are oncoming vehicles; 3. On wider roads, try to use a large detour for a one-step U-turn. Intersections where U-turns are not allowed include: 1. Places with no U-turn signs; 2. When driving on a one-way street; 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 is a solid yellow line. Intersections where U-turns are allowed include: 1. Intersections with U-turn indicator signs; 2. Intersections without explicit no U-turn or no left-turn signs; 3. Areas within yellow grid lines.
Making a U-turn may seem simple, but there's actually a lot to consider. Based on my years of driving experience, here's what I've learned: First, make sure the road conditions permit it—never force a U-turn at solid lines or no-U-turn zones. Pay special attention to oncoming traffic; sometimes the distance may seem sufficient, but the other vehicle could be moving much faster than you anticipated. Always wait for pedestrians to completely cross before turning. Never attempt a U-turn on blind curves—it's better to drive a bit further to find a safer spot. Be extra cautious during snow or rain, as slippery roads increase your turning radius. Checking your rearview and side mirrors becomes even more crucial than usual. Remember to signal your intention early with your turn indicators so surrounding drivers are aware—no sudden maneuvers.
As a commuter who drives to work every day, I believe the most important thing when making U-turns in the city is choosing the right location. I prefer intersections with dedicated U-turn traffic lights, as they are the safest option. If there are no dedicated lights, I always wait for the straight-through green light before proceeding. Extra caution is needed when making U-turns at night, especially for electric scooters that don't have their lights on - they can be very hard to spot. When turning around near residential entrances, it's crucial to go slowly as children might suddenly run out. If there's a bus stop nearby, avoid making U-turns during bus arrival and departure times. My experience with rainy days is to avoid making U-turns through waterlogged areas if possible, as the reflection of lights on water surfaces can easily lead to misjudging distances. If the situation isn't ideal, it's better to take a detour than take unnecessary risks.
The most crucial thing before making a U-turn is to look around and ensure safety. I always check three directions: whether there are pedestrians crossing ahead, if there are vehicles approaching rapidly from behind, and if there are any electric motorcycles in the blind spots on the sides. The turn signal should be activated at least five seconds in advance to allow other vehicles to anticipate. When making a U-turn under an overpass, pay special attention to the blind spots obscured by the bridge piers. If driving a large vehicle or SUV, leave an extra half meter of space to prevent the rear wheels from hitting the curb. When encountering a narrow road for a U-turn, I first pull over to the right and stop to let oncoming vehicles pass. The most dreaded situation is encountering a novice driver honking impatiently behind you—in such cases, it's essential to stay calm and avoid rushing the maneuver.
