When to Start Turning Left?
3 Answers
"When making a left turn, the driver should turn the steering wheel 15 degrees to the left after the vehicle crosses the stop line. Activate the left turn signal in advance. If the left turn is a sharp curve or a U-turn direction, the steering wheel should be turned fully to the left when half of the vehicle body passes the stop line, observe the front view, select the lane to enter, and finally straighten the steering wheel. Precautions for left turns: Activate the left turn signal in advance, pay attention to the traffic signal, ensure it is a green left turn light, then check if any oncoming vehicles are running a red light before turning left. When the red light is on, stop and wait for the left turn, shift to first gear to proceed. Pay attention to pedestrians when turning left. How to activate the left turn signal: Push the turn signal lever downward. Function of turn signals: To indicate to pedestrians or other vehicles the direction of the turn. When both left and right turn signals are on simultaneously, it indicates that the vehicle is in an emergency situation to alert other vehicles."
The timing for turning the steering wheel during a left turn is quite nuanced. I remember when I first started learning to drive, I often messed up by turning too early or too late. The instructor always reminded me to start turning the wheel gradually when the front of the car is about to reach the outer line of the turning point—simply put, begin turning when you see the car approaching the corner of the intersection. For example, when driving straight, once the front of the car is about to cross the boundary between the original lane and the turning lane, it's time to turn. Turning too early might cause the wheels to enter the opposite lane, leading to trouble; turning too late, on the other hand, risks scraping the curb or sidewalk. After a few practices, it becomes clear: for tight turns like those in small roundabouts in residential areas, start turning earlier due to the sharp angle; for wide turns at large intersections, you can wait until the car enters the curve before adjusting. Safety is paramount—slow down before turning, check the blind spot, and turn the steering wheel steadily without sudden jerks. It becomes second nature over time, especially on slippery rainy days when extra caution is needed.
When making a left turn, I believe the key to steering lies in precise timing, which greatly impacts driving safety. Generally, it's most appropriate to start turning the wheel when the vehicle enters the turning arc. The specific operation is to steer when you approach the intersection and the front of the car slightly exceeds the edge of the straight lane. Don't rush; wait for the traffic signal to confirm safety before proceeding. I've seen many beginners turn too early, causing the car to cut diagonally into the opposite lane, resulting in scratches or collisions. Others turn too late, causing the rear of the car to swing out and get stuck in the lane. Therefore, when turning, control your speed, steer smoothly, and avoid sharp turns exceeding 90 degrees. Also, pay attention to road conditions, and at night, turn on your lights for better visibility. Familiarize yourself with the turning radius of your vehicle—small cars and large SUVs are different. Small cars are more agile and can start turning slightly earlier, while larger vehicles need to turn the wheel later. These skills come with experience; the more you drive, the more natural it becomes, ensuring safety for yourself and others on the road.
