When to Start Steering for a Right Turn?
3 Answers
When making a right turn on a narrow road, start steering when the left corner of the car's front aligns tangentially with the roadside; on a wider road, you can begin steering slightly earlier. Below are relevant details: 1. Front-end range: The length of the car's front is within a reasonable range. In fact, most sedans are between 1.57-1.82 meters wide. Therefore, when preparing to turn, ensure there is at least 2 meters of distance between the car's front and any obstacles to safely execute left or right turns without the front right corner hitting other vehicles. 2. Contact point with the ground: The extension of the lowest point visible to the driver's eyes typically does not exceed 3 meters from the car's front when it contacts the ground.
I always feel that the timing of steering is particularly crucial when making a right turn, especially in urban traffic. I remember starting to turn the steering wheel slowly when the right front wheel is about to touch the corner of the curb, approximately half a turn. Turning too early risks mounting the sidewalk or scraping the curb, while turning too late may result in crossing the line or being honked at by other drivers. It's also important to slow down to around 20km/h beforehand, check the rearview mirror to ensure no car is tailgating, and glance over the shoulder to watch for pedestrians and bicycles in the right blind spot. Different intersection sizes require different approaches—for small intersections, start turning when half of the car has entered, while for large intersections, be patient and wait until the front of the car passes the turning point before steering. Safety always comes first; keep every turn smooth and avoid sharp maneuvers, especially at night when visibility is poor and extra caution is needed.
When I was learning to drive, the instructor always emphasized the timing of steering for right turns, which I now realize is crucial for beginners. Generally, you should gradually slow down as you approach the intersection and start turning when you feel the car's right A-pillar (the edge of the windshield) aligns with the edge of the road you're turning into. Turning too early can make the car head straight toward the curb, which is both dangerous and awkward; turning too late can result in an overly wide turn, crossing the line or intruding into the opposite lane. I once failed to check the blind spot and nearly hit an electric scooter, so now I always remind myself to turn my head and check the right side before turning. Maintaining a speed between 15-30 km/h is ideal—if you're going faster, you'll need to delay the turn slightly more. With enough practice, you'll naturally get the hang of it, and remember, signaling is a must.
